The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop latemodel bed on a 1953 3/4 ton

just thinking, as anyone seen a late model bed put on a 3/4 ton truck.I really want a truck bed, but didnt want to cut the frame to do it. the 3/4 ton is 10inches longer than a 1/2 ton. any if you have seen one what would did it come off of.

i saw one at a show and i think the bed was off of a '88-'95 chevy/GMC pick-up

well is that a shortbed your comparing to your truck? what about a longbed? would a newer longbed fit?

It is not too hard to cut the frame. There is a straight section of rail behind the cab that you can take the excess out of. I ended up whacking 7" out of mine before welding it back together. Lots of measuring to keep it square, weld slow, and reinforce the weld. This centered the wheels in the fenders pretty good.

I have seen a couple of trucks with late model 1/2 ton step side beds. They just do not seem right to me. I am going to rework an original 1/2 ton short bed that I picked up for $100.

I've never seen a modern bed on an old truck that I really liked. Look for an original long box, they aren't too hard to find.

I've seen a mid '60's step side bed mounted on a '53 Chevy pick up. The '53 running boards were cut to match the curves of the new bed steps. Overall the look of the truck changed because of the '60's style bed fenders. They look too big for the truck. Work with what you got - this particular guy did a nice job. He used what was available to him. If money isn't a factor in your decision- get the correct bed for your truck.

I agree...but in the end, it's your truck so do what seems right to you.

Hey guys, I have a 48 and installed an 88 stepside/shortbed on it and I didn't cut the frame. I did cut the 88 febders off and glassed on a pair of 48 glass fenders that are 2 1/2" wider to accomodate the 10" wide rimes. I then added some glass "filler" pieces on the front of the bed to follow the contour of the back of the cab. Send me you email address and I'll send pictures.

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I just saw a couple of these trucks with modern pickup boxes, painted to match and they looked super. One was fitted very nicely to the contour of the old cab, fine fab job. Also I've seen a modern bed on the big Nissan or Toyota trucks that has a nice curve where it meets the cab????

You won't find a late model bed this will fit without cutting the frame, no one has made a long stepside bed since '91.

i think they look gross. but its not my truck its yours. i would hit up craigslist, or your local pick-a-part. a guy down the stree from me did this (not a long bed, and on a 1/2) but just get the measurments correct, and be patient

I have also seen late model beds on AD trucks and it really looks weird. I think the problem is the back half of the truck is one era while the front is another. The only way it would look right, it seems, is if the front is jazzed up in some custom effect.
That's my opinion but it's your project; make it the way you like it.