The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Opinions on bed options.

I know the standard answer is "it's your truck, do what you want" but I'd like to hear from some various points of view. I'm starting the restoration on a 57 1-ton and I'm undecided about what to use for a bed. It currently has duals and a flat bed but I'm considering changing to single rear wheels and building a stepside bed. I may do a little hauling but this truck will not be a work truck and it will not be a show truck. I've never seen a 9' stepside bed except for photos but I know a lot of people don't like the looks of long beds. I'd like to hear opinions both on appearance and drivability, such as getting around in traffic and handling, etc. Any thoughts and experience you're willing to share will be appreciated.

Jeff

I'm one who thinks 9' step beds are unattractive, and a dually with singles would make it more so, as well as not being any easier to get around or handle - with a 1 ton it's the length, springing and gearing that make it handle like a truck in traffic, rather than a car .... a dually pickup could be interesting, but a 1 ton flat deck look good, you can do some real nice detailing with stake sides

Bill

Its your truck, do what you want.

I happen to like the 9-foot beds. I've thought about creating one with duals, but haven't done anything in that direction. I did see one done that way a few years ago at a car show. I'm sure I took pictures of it.

Regarding driveability, I don't think bed choice will make much difference, though the exact configuration the bed sides and the mirrors may make a difference.

Duals versus single-wheel does make some difference in rear width, but done the stock way its not a lot of difference and may not make any real difference.

Wheelbase and turning radius do make a difference. I'm not sure how long a Task Force 1-ton is, but at 137 inches the AD 1-ton is a long truck. I used to drive an extended-cab long-box 1-ton with a 155 inch wheelbase and that thing could be a challenge to park. Length and visibility are two factors I'd consider carefully.

We debated the flat-bed / stake truck Vs. step side for my AD for a long time. We went back and forth, back and forth. Eventually we selected the step side bed because we liked the look (Note: I have an AD).

My truck started as a stake-truck and the bed was 10 feet, so going to a 9 foot made my truck shorter.

Personally I like the step side (But I did not have dual wheels.) With dual wheels I think I would have made it a stake struck. Good Luck and let us know what you decide

Whats the point in dual rear wheels if you do not have a heavy load or are pulling something all the time? Just more rubber to buy and wear out.

Flat beds also tend to sling around more road debris. Full fenders keep the truck cleaner.

Keep in mind that the flat bed floor will be higher off the ground as well so if you do haul something heavy/bulky it will be more work to get the load up there.

Having said that, if you have a 5 pice band or a crowd on it in a parade the flat bed is really great.

Also with a flat bed you can place another alternate fuel tank under the bed or get the original tank out of the cab.

I have had both and my 41 1 ton has a bed and fenders that is the best way for me.

They are both great!
Sounds like you need another truck doesn't it?

Grigg

If you don't run duals the cool 18 inch wheels end up looking funny.

Well, I might need 2 more trucks because I'm bouncing between 3 different ideas. I'll probably leave it as a flat bed for now since that's what I've got and it requires the least work and money. But I've got 2 short beds at my disposal so I can build a 9' step bed someday and switch to single wheels or I can build a wider step bed that clears the outside duals and put tubs in the inside like a fleetside bed to clear the inside wheels. I've got plenty of work to do in the meantime before I have to make a final decision. By the way, I was able to drive the truck down the road this weekend for the first time; about 5 miles. I took it to town to the car wash to clean it up a bit. It ran pretty good on the way there considering it hasn't been started in 5 years. On the way back it ran pretty rough because I washed the engine and the old plug wires have been chewed on by mice. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to steer. We had an old '57 farm truck when I was a kid that was a bear to steer so I was expecting this one to be the same. At least I know that I won't have to spend any more time trying to figure out how to add power steering. Now I'm going to put the HEI distributor and new wires on it and drive it a little before I begin the cosmetic surgery. Hopefully it can come out of hybernation next spring ready to roll for another 50 years.

I really like the look of the 1 ton with the 135" inch wheelbase with duals. A nice 9-10' steel bed is easy to find. That's what Ive done to one of my 1 tons and plan to do to my second.

I haven't found those beds that easy to find... I'd love to find a nine-foot '54/'55 1st bed.

It is your truck. But I like the 9' stepside. I have a art deco 47 with the step side and a 62 with a 12' flatbed. The 47's bed always gets more comments. It is older, but most of the comments are about how longggggggg those running boards are. Even on a Advanced Design or like your Task Force the step is longer than say a 1/2 ton.For work the stepside is easier to load than a flatbed. Good luck

I guess I need to find one less that 1200 miles away!

I found a 9' stepside bed recently. It's a '70 model but I think I can easily change the fenders to the older syle. Here's a link to a photo of the donor truck. http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn214/jfnar/57%20chevy%203800/70-1-ton-back.jpg
I didn't buy all the fire equipment in the back but I got the aluminum trim around the sides. I plan to keep as much of that as I can. I also bought the 4.10 posi rear axle. Now I've got to find some 19.5 single wheels.

By the way...welcome back tons o fun. I missed you.

Looks like a good find!

That bed mounted equipment may mean the bed has been protected and hasn't been beat up by loads.

I'd like to hear about the challenges involved in changing the fenders. I may try this approach some day too.