Stovebolt.com Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed Bed Kit Help for 53 3100

I'm installing a bed kit with predrilled holes in my 53 chevy 1/2 ton. Before I install the boards, I have a question about the cross sills. I mounted the front sill using 2 blocks (no rubber pads). The second sill will be floating and not attached to the frame. The 3rd sill is mounted to the frame behind the rear axle using only blocks (no pads). The rear sill has only a rubber pad between the sill and the frame. Is this correct and will this get me the correct spacing between the sills and the angle strips where my boards will fit under?

My second question is the boards themselves. I have an 8 board kit. The manufacturer says the 4 1/4 boards go under the angle strips with the 2 drilled holes placed close to the front sill vs the rear sill. This doesn't seem right as the holes match up better if I place the holes down by the rear sill. Does anyone know which is correct? Thanks.

Go to these for help. Factory fit is a pad under every block and the end sill metal blocks. You need six rubber pads for a 3100.

http://www.speedprint.com/deves50/bedwood.php

http://www.mar-k.com/bed_parts_installation.html

Thanks Brad, the blocks I bought only had 2 pads with them. It makes sense so to prevent squeaking between the wood and the frame.

Probably purchased from ClassicParts which refuses to believe numerous people who have tried to tell them the correct kit make-up.

yep Brad, that's correct. I was finally able to install the bed kit this weekend. It came out great but I didn't put the pads under the blocks. Not something I want to re-do after all the time I spent.

Brad,

I got that 47-53 bed block/pad kit from Classic Parts: 4 blocks and two pads. My problem is that I ordered a 54/55 kit that was supposed to be 8 pads and no blocks.

I guess I should be happy because I had ordered a lot of parts (to get free shipping). They also sent me two different sized front axle bumpers. At least I will not have to argue that one is the wrong size (they can't both be correct).

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-53-Bed-Mounting-Blocks-Pads-Shortbed/productinfo/13-511/

http://www.classicparts.com/1954-87-Bed-Mounting-Pad-Shortbed/productinfo/13-555/

Jim Carter has the right kit:
http://www.oldchevytrucks.com/cart/product.asp?prodid=BP137&i=9515|||

Tim,

For the most part I like their stuff but rarely do I get my order that is not short or has extra stuff in it like you describe. I spent some time on the phone with the parts manager and was told their kit was correct. I then sent him links to other catalog sites with correct kits like Jim Carter all of which came to nothing.

what gives with those guys. I had a problem with one of their cowl panels and even showed them THEIR own two pieces did not match up...not even close! After offering up a great solouticn (a new NOS piece to copy) I was politely told they had no problem with them for 20 years. I posted the conversation here that I had with them including their personal reply but it was deleted for "vendor bashing".
Hey, facts are facts. I don't know if they ever corrected the problem or not. I doubt it.
We have a right to inform our buddies if ANY piece is crap from ANY vendor. That does not say the vendors do not have other good stuff or good service. It just shows their un-willingness to make or correct ONE product that is a dud! ..... I better be quite!!

Interesting posts regarding pads. On my 1949 half ton I have six blocks and four pads. The pads are at the front and rear sills. There was/is a small 12 page booklet entitled "Bed Restoration Manual" and it states that bed block pads are on the first and last sill. There is no mention of pads on the other sill which is bolted to the frame. That does not mean there are or there are not blocks at that location. I do not have pads on those blocks.
I am chasing a very elusive thump and rumble whenever I hit a good bump and wondered if my bed was the culprit. However I believe that with or without the pads as long as the blocks are bolted to the frame securely there should not be any thump - only squeak.

If you need help regarding the blocks and pads, we have a great set of instructions for you.
Look here: http://www.mar-k.com/bed_mounting_information.pdf

Hope this helps.