The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop 1 Ton bed side rails

So I am sure someone has thought about this before, but I do not remember seeing any posts on it, I have a standard 1/2 ton bed and I was considering cutting 18in out of the frame. Then after looking at the 1 ton w/bed it looks as though it is a 1/2 ton with the added 18in or my idea is to take another bed side and cut it down then welding the front parts back on.

Is there anything special that I am missing?

I think the 1 ton has more bed length than a 1/2 ton both in front of and behind the fenders.
I'm not sure I understand your plan though. Can you measure the two trucks your are trying to play with, what do you find?

Grigg

Ok so today I went out and took some quick measurements, from the rear of the 1 ton to the center of the wheel is 42in when I checked the 1/2 bed it is 42in to the center of the wheel also. That means that only the from of the bed sides need to be extended the ~18in in order to convert a 1/2 ton side into a 1 ton. Now I have seen the 1 tons it looks like there is an added support on the side about where the 1/2 ton ends, but I think it would look more pleasing just to make it smooth all the way up.

Does this make any sense? So basically I need to get an extra bed side and cut 2 18in pieces out of it and then section the front of the right and left side and insert the 18in in to make a 1 ton bed. Yes I will need to make running boards and the cover piece, but at least I do not need to cut my frame up.

Jackyl - Double check those measurements." 42" from the rear of the bed to the center of the wheel" the same on both ? - I don't think so. 1/2 ton has 116" wheel base, the 1 ton has 137" wheel base. The 1 ton bed has 4 stake pockets. The 18" difference you refer to is made up from the distance of the front of the bed to the wheel and from the rear of the bed to the wheel. I don't think you can add all 18" at the front of the bed.

Using the rear of the frame that is on my truck it is 42"

All of the extra missing space is in the front of the rear wheels. The custom bed will only have 4 stake pockets.

Hey Jackyl - Now you got me confused. Are you trying to lengthen a 1/2 ton bed to fit on a 1 ton chassis? Or are you trying to shorten a 1 ton bed to fit on a 1/2 ton chassis?

Lengthen a 1/2 ton bed to fit a 1 ton

Hey Jackyl - OK I'm with you now. The 1 ton bed has 4 stake pockets on each side, which also acts as a stiffener to the sides to help keep them rigid.

I mean of course if I could find a 1 ton bed I certainly would go that route, but they are almost impossible to locate. Looking at the stake pockets I could certainly use the ones from the donor bed side and at least get 3 on each side.

I have a 1 ton, and the bed is pretty good, but when I get to fixing it I'll need new bed sides.
I figure it will be simplest to use the old ones as patterns, buy new stake pockets if needed, and fabricate new sides from scratch.
To make the sides any good sheet metal shop can shear them to size and make the about 45 degree bend on top. Then I would weld the proper size tubing on for the rolled part. You'd have to look close to tell they are not factory, and they may be a little stronger.

Grigg

Hey Grigg - Yeah that sounds good. I made bed sides for a friends 1/2 ton. Similar to what you described. I used 16 gauge. It came out good. Next time I might use 14 gauge for the sides, especially on a 9' 1 ton bed. It might be over kill, but it would be strong,(heavy too).

Jackyl/WBrowne,

I have a 9' long one ton bed in pretty good shape. If you require any pictures or dimensions off them, I'd be glad to get them for you.

Have a Happy New Year everyone!

Lane

Hello Lane "Photo" - Thanks for the offer of photos and dimensions of the 9' AD Chevy bed. That would be a great help. - wbrowne