The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed Don't know if my '51 1/2-ton AD originally had 8 or 9 (bed) boards?

Don't know when in 1951 that my Chevrolet 1/2-ton Pickup was made. I know that there was a few changes in that year. Its a short bed 3100 series. Is there a way that you can tell or? I'm just curious about this. Any information on this would be very helpful. Thanks! ...diditanole

I got a 51 1/2 ton short bed and mine has 8 boards and yes there was a few changes in that year, BUT like Paul said "You can tell by the holes drilled in the cross braces. There will be a hole between each board"
Todd

51 is a split year. Some had 8 boards and some had 9 boards.
As the others said you can check your cross sills or rear cross sill to determine if it is an 8 board bed or 9 board bed.
If you are completely replacing your wood bed (cross sills and all) then you can choose! It shouldn't matter either way. But if you use existing cross sills/rear cross sills, then you need to make sure which bed it is.

Thanks! ...diditanole

early months of 51 had 9 b4 mid year like april/may
later had 8
look at your trucks ID plate for your date.
my PO went cheap and bought 8 when i should have 9