Labor Day Putting down your wrenches or time for MORE wrenching? 
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9 members (GMCJammer51, Hawkman, Guitplayer, Uncles51, Dennys28, walterhvogel, Ponchogl, WICruiser, 1955 1 Series),
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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,017 Posts1,055,256 Members48,417 | | Most Online14,466 Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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on the Internet for over 30 years! and not clogged down with Ads! Again, thanks! | | | | Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 759 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2018 Posts: 759 | I'm about ready to install the bed on my 53. I remember when I put the bed on my 1940 truck, I had a few friends come over and we just picked the bed up and sat it on the frame. This 53 bed seems heavier, or maybe it's just that I'm old now, but either way I'm curious if any of you guys used a chain hoist, or a cherry picker engine lift to help install your bed. Please let me know, along with any tips or recommendations. THANKS !!!
Mike Burns 1940 Chev 1/2 ton 1953 Chev 1/2 ton 1950 Studebaker Starlight Coupe 1947 Indian Chief 1943 Indian 741
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,626 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2005 Posts: 1,626 | I've not got to the point of installing my bed yet, but I've seen some videos on YouTube. Home made 2x4 frame or a manufactured brace and even just ratchet straps. People have some creative ideas.
Last edited by UtahYork; 08/03/2025 2:22 PM.
~ John in Utah 1946 1/2Ton w/4-speed manual transmission w/1960 235 engineHere We GoFollow in his DITY Bay- If you think about it, it has been one year ago today!
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,350 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,350 | I have a lift that I was able to use to raise and lower my bed relative to the truck frame.
I am sure others will chime in with their process. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,187 Insomniac | | Insomniac Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,187 | No fenders. No floor. Raised the bed onto extra long saw horses and backed the truck under it. Just the two of us.
Gord 🇨🇦 ---- 1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 10,997 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 10,997 | I used the Friends and Neighbors approach to install my bed. It could be done by two people, but much easier with four. That was with the floor installed.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 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. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 1,289 Moderator for Tons o' Fun , Co-Moderator Driveline Forum | | Moderator for Tons o' Fun , Co-Moderator Driveline Forum Joined: Jul 2014 Posts: 1,289 | I also used the friends & Neighbors approach, on my 1954 3604, no fenders and no tailgate (obviously?) We "staged" the bed using four corner "posts" made by stacking 4 concrete blocks on top of each other and then two 2x4's one each across each "end". Gently rolled the truck under the bed , four guys lifted the bed and I removed the 2x4's and they let the bed down slowly onto the frame. I used a combination of drifts and screwdrivers to align the mounting holes to the frame and the rubber mounting pads. Went very smoothly, but I was very nervous.......
Ron - - Dusty53 1954 Chevy 3604In the Gallery Forum "You can't dance with the Devil and then wonder why you're still in Hell." "They will forget what you've said, and they will forget what you have done but they will never forget the way you made them feel." | | |
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