This depended on year model.

The Flareside bed didn't change much from 1948-1987. Cosmetic changes mostly.

The only changes made to the bed in 1980's was the tailgate, the Fenders, and the plywood floor. 1979 and earlier used seperate planks and the beds are vitually identical.

I also recommend seperate boards, as it's stronger, even if you go and buy the boards yourself from the home depot or something. If you are good at woodworking you can even put in the bevels in the wood to hold the strips you need.

For a show truck, get the kit.