Bonus Built Trucks with '53 Beds

Kusto · #1 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 08:05 AM

If you are using a '53 and up bed on your bonus built trucks, I would like to know of any issues encountered and and if you have photographs, I'd like to see them.

Thanks and have a great weekend

GreatNorthWoods · #2 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 08:42 AM

I used an aftermarket bed from ProsPick which supposedly fits 48-72 on my 48 F-3 converted to F-1. The bed comes without the fender bolt holes so you can locate the fenders wherever you want them. I had no problem with the installation...

bobbytnm · #3 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 11:04 AM

Kusto,

The latae 50 and up beds are all the same (I think). The 48 through early 50 beds had the raised bedside panels and the rounded stake pockets. I think the only difference in the bedsides is the fender bolt hole locations

Bobby

Dadsf-21952 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 12:49 PM

I have a 53 bed I am putting on my 52 truck. The only altering I will have to do is the fender bolts they are different from 52 to 53 the 53 have a more square fender but that is all that I have had to do. teh rest is the same. The tailgate has different lettering not a biggy. good luck Casey

Kusto · #5 (**permalink**) 05-17-2008, 11:03 PM

I placed the 53 bed on the truck today, I will be re-welding the fenders on the new bed since the PO messed them up so badly, I have to cut a s 2" wide strip off and will replace it with a new 3 1/4" strip to widen the fenders to allow for wider tires and to compensate for the raised panel (you were correct Bobby). I am more curious on spacing between the 48 fender and the rear stake pocket. Seems I will only have 1" to spare to allow for installation of the tail light brackets.

Vern and Dadsf-2, could you two post some close up shots and measurements between the back of the fender and the rear stake pocket? Also need spacing between cab and bed I'm guessing 1"-2".

Thanks,

Nick

GreatNorthWoods · #6 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 07:43 AM

The ProsPick bed doesn't have usuable stake pockets...plus I used fiberglass 51/52 rear fenders since the bed sides do not have the raised panels like the 48-50 beds. As I remember I have about an inch of space between the fender and the end of the bed. You don't need more than that for the taillight brackets...

Kusto · #7 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 11:54 AM

Vern, Could I trouble you to post a picture of the complete bed side for me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Nick

Dadsf-21952 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 01:08 PM

Nick, I am getting my bed asap it is in storage right know but whrn i do I will get you some pics. I will try to get some of the 52 during tear down if that will help. Casey

Kusto · #9 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 01:28 PM

Thanks Casey

bobbytnm · #10 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 01:39 PM

You're right, there isn't much space between the rear of the fender and the stake pocket. I'd guess it to be about an inch or so. I'll take a measurement later today, my measurement might not be valid fo ryou though since my stake pockets are the earlier rounded ones.

My adivce would be to make sure the wheel opening is centered of the wheel, to heck with the rest....lol

Bobby

Kusto · #11 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008, 02:29 PM

I think the pockets are nearly the same size and the dimensions of the bed are very close. I guess what is most important is that I know if it is 1" or 2" as that is likely all I'd be able to shift the bed without making too big a gap for the bed/cab spacing.

Bobby, that's the reason I need the spacing so I can shift the bed then attach the fender so the wheel is centered. I just want to make sure I got room to mount the tail lights. I am likely going to widen the rear fenders 1" as well to accommodate larger rubber.

bobbytnm · #12 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 07:15 AM

The gap on my 49 between the rear of the fender and the rear stake pocket is a whopping 1 1/4"

Bobby

Kusto · #13 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 11:59 AM

Well then I guess my fit up I did was correct. How about the gap between the cab and the bed 1.5 to 2" sound correct I don't have either mounted at this time otherwise I would just shift things around till they looked right.

Thanks for the help.

Nick

bobbytnm · #14 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 12:11 PM

Nick, I can't even begin to help you there.

I do know that near the center of the cab it is kind of tight (less than 1") but I don't know for sure. I can measure it tonight but it might not do you any good, the front panel of my bed (and the bed floor) are from a 2005 GMC.

Bobby

Kusto · #15 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008, 12:30 PM

No prob. Just curious was all. Mostly because the PO had extended the old bed 1.5" and then it was rubbing on the back of the cab wen Installed the front bed panel....no wonder he had it out when I looked at the truck. Since I have learned so much on here and now have a better understanding of what is right and whats not...I think if I see the feller in a back alley, I might just club him in the ear.....LOL

On another note I was assessing the idea of using the recycled bed floor from another newer model parts truck like you did but it seems that it would be a ton of work. I considered the plywood floor (not gonna do that either, too much maintenance, now had this thought of using checker plate as shown in the photo below. Any thoughts? Looks like one sheet and I think they measure 48x96" and will double check but I think with the 2" x1/8" angle Iron that I welded in the 48" might just work.....yeah it will.