My '77 shortbed (Styleside) is in desperate need of some bodywork. I, like many, have rust issues over the rear wheels. There are also a few rusty spots elsewhere on the bed sides. It looks like I'll need to replace the whole bed side panels. I checked LMC however all I can find are longbed sides. Is there a source for shortbed panels or are the longbed panels all that's available? If the longbed panels are all that's available, are they just cut to length?

 

Ever hear of Tabco? https://tabcoparts.com/pickup-trucks...1978-1979.html

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The angle/curve on the bed fender well lip that rusts all the time can be patch paneled by a piece from a from a spare JY front fender, it is the same angle...

FYI NOS or replacement SB complete panels are going to be $$$$$

 

As far as I know, no one makes shortbed replacement sides. Occasionally you'll see NOS pieces on e-bay but these always go for $$$. The long bed can be shortened to work but you'll need to deal with the center stake pocket, which doesn't exist on the shortbed.
Unlike GM which shortens the dimension both in front of and behind the wheel well, Ford shortens the bed only in front of the wheel well.
Like Rich said, I would look into replacing the wheel well arch. This is a very common problem and a very common repair.
Personally I like Tabco panels.

 

This why 73-79 wheel arches rust out. See the dark area? That's where mud and dirt gets packed in and it cannot drain/clear out because the frickin' drain holes are too few and too small. Thanks Ford!

My remedy was to section large areas along the outboard of the wheel well liner resulting in only tabs being welded to the wheel arch of the bed skin.

 

where you get them flat ended clamps they are very nice.

 

Swap meet.

I think Harbor Freight has 'em too.

 

Home Depot and Lowe's also carry them, Vice-Grip brand. HF will be cheaper though.

 

ill have to check amazon if there so common then amazon will have.

 

wood working clamps irwin,nice job Hio,,,Tabco very good guage