Look for rubber expansion stake pocket tie downs, measure the stake pockets and see if something is available to fit. Or, you could make your own wood stake to fit the pocket and use whatever type of hardware you like to add a tie point.
Last edited by 78buckshot; 06/06/202410:57 AM.
1957 Chevrolet 5700 LCF 283 SM420 2 speed rear, 1955 IH 300U T/A, 1978 Corvette 350 auto, 1978 Yamaha DT175, 1999 Harley Davidson Softail Fat Boy
Sven, The picture of your truck bed looks great! I'm sure others will be along soon to add some possible tips and ideas.
Last edited by Peggy M; 06/06/20242:08 PM.
~ Dan 1951 Chevy 3 window 3100 Follow this story in the DITY Gallery "My Grandpa Carl's Truck and How it Became Mine" 1966 Chevelle (Wife's Hot Rod) | 2013 Chevy Silverado (Current daily driver) US Army MSG Retired (1977-1998) | Com Fac Maint Lead Tech Retired (1998-2021)
Finding something to fit the angled bed rails might be a bit of a challenge. A good body shop should be able to fabricate an adapter suitable to make the expandable rubber anchors from the post above lock in properly by using an eye bolt with a longer shank. Have fun! Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
There should be thru holes partway down each stake pocket. They're usually used to secure wood stakes in the pockets. You could install eyebolts in there to use as tie-down spots. The square hole up higher in the photo is for the tailgate chain eyebolt.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
I used the ones suggested by hcb3200. I haul heavy stuff, appliances, building materials, etc. So I bolted mine to the bed. I found that the rubber "squeeze" holding scheme, did not really keep them real tight and I couldn't install them flat to the bed (they always skewed a bit instead of laying flat). Therefore I bolted the anchors to the plate (nut on the back and then used self tapping bolts to attach the pate to the bed. It is really strong. It may be not to everyone's liking, but it works great. See attached. don
Donz, I like what you did. Not sure if I could seriously rely on the rubber plugs to hold a heavy load in place.
Craig
My '50 Chevy 3100 5 window, '62-235cu, 3:55 rear My truck ....... Respect The Rust If I'm not working on my truck, '65 m00stang or VW camper, I'm fishing with the wife or smoking Salmon.
There should be thru holes partway down each stake pocket.
Geez, I always learn from this website. I just ran out to check my '54 truck. Sure enough, the holes are there. All the while I had thought they were just holes.
54 Chevy 3100 Deluxe 3 speed on column. Keeping original as possible but changed to 12 volt system. JB Weld..."I put that stuff on everything"
Checkout the E-track system. You can find it on Amazon and at Harbor Freight. Attach it to bed of truck and you can secure an anything laying in the bed. Even one sheet of plywood. Try that with stake pocket loops.
Last edited by DES57; 06/07/20241:24 PM. Reason: Added content and picture
1957 Chevy 3200 Daily Driver PS, A/C, Tilt column, Rebuilt 350, Rebuilt TH350, Reupholstered Bench Seat, sound proof/insulated, LED headlights/taillights/backup lights/interior courtesy lights. Follow in the DITY
I used the rubber plugs hcb3200 shows on my 57, but just for light stuff. I would not rely on them with any level of comfort to secure anything heavy, without attaching them to the bed; which you are trying to avoid.
I went with wooden pocket stakes on my 41; some nice looking hardwood, like oak or something. You can remove them and your bed would remain unaltered.
~ Victor 1941 3/4-Ton Pickup (in process). Read about it in the DITY Gallery 1955 Grumman Kurbside "Doughboy" 235/3 on tree w/ OD 1957 3100 - moved on 1959 C4500 Short Bus "Magic Bus" - moved on 1959 G3800 1 Ton Dually "Chief" - moved on 1958 C4400 Viking "Thor" ~ moved on to fellow Bolter