The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Making a Stovebolt Bed rebuilding the bed on my 51

This afternoon I removed the bed from my 51 so I can get started rebuilding it. The PO had a bunch of trash in the bed, which just collected and retained moisture. This rotted out the floor and the lower areas of the box front and sides. Several years ago the left rear fender was caved in by a hit-and-run driver. Before removing the fender I used the porta-power to push out a lot of the damage.

I use this pickup as a daily driver and it sits outside all the time. I am considering replacing the wood floor with steel treadplate and then having the tread plate covered with Rhino-liner (or other similar product).

Has anyone else handled the floor situation like I intend to? What would you do if you were in my situation? [IMG

I've seen several trucks with liner sprayed on the bed floor and up the sides. For a dailey use, non show truck, I think it's a good idea. I wouldn't go for a too thick,heavy plate though. Maybe 1/8th inch. It will still need support under it from the original bed crossmembers and to fit correctly.
The bed front is seriuosly damaged. What do you plan to do about that?

I will cut out the old rusty metal and patch in new metal. I am now trying to figure out what gauge the sheet metal is so I can get some patch metal.

I am doing a forum search now to get the correct answer.