Stovebolt.com Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed 41-46 vs 47-53 bed differences (1/2 ton)

I am working on a 53 3100 that came to me as just chassis/ cab, so I need a complete bed. A guy near me has new 1/2 ton bed sides for 1946. Based on the research I've done, the only difference I can see from 46 to 47-up beds is that the width increased a smidge (from 48.5" to 50", if I remember right). Can anyone here confirm whether this is the only difference, and whether 46 bed sides would be useable on a 53 1/2 ton? I am fully willing to re-drill holes for the front panel if needed. Thanks!

I remember reading in a book (How to Restore Chevrolet Trucks by Tom Brownell) that bedsides for the 41-53 were the same (excluding mounting holes for the fenders).


Can others confirm?

Fender holes, front panel holes, and angle strip holes are all different. As I recall the sheet metal is the same for both series.

Mark