I think I'm gonna just buy a new bed anyway.

 

Got a buyer lined up for this old red one.

 

My bed was completely shot. Other than the rear fenders, nothing was reusable. I bought a complete kit from Northern Classic Trucks. I did see that they no longer carry 53 and up tailgates.

 

The rear crossmember in your truck has been moved back for the fuel tank and is bolted in the holes for the rear of the bed. Either take out that crossmember, flip it over or move it forward in the frame and the bed will sit on the frame where those two bolts are in your picture.

 

well, that is a puzzle... here's what my front crossmember looks like

 

Well I flipped over the rear crossmember, and it looks like I can get a longer bolt and go through the bed and crossmember all in one shot. Thx guys for your help.