76 bed on a 78 chassis? HELP

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Apr 27, 2015 | 09:27 AM

dbickford

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 34

Likes: 0

76 bed on a 78 chassis? HELP

I have a 1978 f150, 2wd pickup that my son and I have been working on. Its his truck. We have completed the mechanical part of the build (gas tanks, brakes, tranny, swapped tired 300 for a fresh 302, etc..) and now its time to get the body straight. The truck is a base model, no moldings and its been tough to find a straight (no rust) bed for it (the current bed has a good wrinkle in the back panel and is rusted). I finally found one but its off a 1976 base model, no moldings truck (it does have both gas tanks on the driver side just like the current bed as well). The service manual says the 1976 bed is not compatible with the 1978 chassis. What can you guys tell me about this? Thanks as always. Dan

Apr 27, 2015 | 09:52 AM

GLR

FTE Legend

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 54,027

Likes: 2,408

From: NY and VA

Some one with more knowledge might step in...The 78 frame is wider than the 76. The bed can be made to fit by welding brackets on the 78 frame. I did this on a trailer from a 64 frame using a 75 bed. This way you won't have to drill new holes in the bed.

Apr 27, 2015 | 07:52 PM

spikinfool05

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 1,244

Likes: 1

what truck is the "new" bed off of?

Apr 27, 2015 | 07:57 PM

77&79F250

Moderator & parts slinger

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 50,235

Likes: 5,811

From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

The 76 could, can and might have narrower rear frame section than the 78. If the doner bed was off a high boy I would say yes. Just have to drill some new holes in the 76 bed or add some brackets to the frame (great idea GLR)....Dan its tape measure time.

Also does the 76 have a exposed gas tank filler neck cap? You (your body guy) can put the 78/79 gas flap/flaps on a 76 bed.

Apr 28, 2015 | 11:52 AM

dbickford

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 34

Likes: 0

Thanks guys. Your answers have helped me come up with some additional questions and answers. Looks to me like the bed will indeed fit..... but I will let you all know for sure when I set it on the frame!

Apr 28, 2015 | 12:07 PM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

Likes: 787

From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by GLR

The 78 frame is wider than the 76.

33 1/2" width between the inner frame rails behind the cab:

This only applies to 1973/76 F250 4WD / 1973/79 F350 Cab & Chassis and Regular Cabs on the 140" wheelbase / 1977 F250 4WD (before serial number Y20,001).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
37 1/2" width between the inner frame rails behind the cab:

1973/79 F100 & F250 2WD / 1973/79 F350's except as noted above / 1975/79 F150 / 1977 F250 4WD (from serial number Y20,001-not a High Boy) / 1978/79 F250 4WD.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1973/76 F100/350 Stylesides have exposed fuel caps.

1977/79 F100/350 Stylesides have fuel doors.

Apr 28, 2015 | 01:49 PM

dbickford

Thread Starter

Freshman User

Joined: Aug 2013

Posts: 34

Likes: 0

Thanks Bill. Both trucks are 2wd. The 76 does have the exposed fuel caps and the 78 has the doors. I am planning on getting the hardware from the 76 filler tube assemblies along with the bed. Hoping it fits right on the 78 frame. Really appreciate your reply. I think im in good shape