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Hi, I am thinking of replacing the bed wood in my 65 as a spring project. It currently has a sheet of plywood that has gotten a couple holes in it. Has anyone done this before, and it is a major undertaking? Or can the average handy person handle it? I'm thinking oak and I know mar-k has the rails to fit between the boards.
Mar K and other places also have the boards, precut and predrilled. Would be cheaper tho, to plane and rout your own boards if you have the tools and skill.
I did my own 17 years ago. I got local wood and had a friend wood worker plane and router them. I drilled the holes and sanded and put the spar varnish on.... Many coats.
I made my own out of Southern Yellow Pine (soft wood but nice grain) and only needed a table saw, drill and sander. took about 3 or 4 hours to put it together including waiting for spar urethane to dry. Not hard job at all....
I did mine on my 56 and put marine clear on. I did the top and bottom. Went with polished SS. Hidden bolts on the strips, only bolts that show are on the sides and the end cap.
i bet you can kind of wedge them under the lip without taking the whole bed off, but I will see. I think it will be fun as I like woodworking and car working, but don't have much experience with either!
I did a frame off so it was easier to get at. I think you would have to loosen the whole bed especially the front header of the bed. Once u get the side slats in the rest is easy. Having a buddy to help lift up on the bed is helpful. I bought mine from Mid Fifty. Mark K. sells them also. I would recommend a good clear that is UV resistant. I think Svolpone is right the end cap towards the tail gate do go under the bed. might have to take off the end cap completely. The after market ones has the SS piece that goes over the top.
