Right after buying my '66 Long Bed, I started posting questions and was greatly amazed at the amount of response. I thank one and all for your help and advice.

One of the members here was quick to provide info and suggestions re my "bed" problem. I skimmed over and figured I would get back to it later. I am now unable to find his response.

This is my problem: the bed is "ate up" at the front, about 6" and almost all the way across. The tail needs about 3" fix.

I have searched for panels (they don't exist). I have looked for CHEAP donor trucks for just the bed (TAKE OUT A LOAN). I even had one gent with a parts truck offer to cut the sections but again, TAKE OUT A LOAN.

I am not asking for much. Should I cut the whole bed and put in plate steel, then "Rhino It"?? Should I go the show route and cut out the whole bed and then put in wood (rather expensive regarding the cost listed on the web).

I don't want to lose this project - the rest of the truck is GREAT - it's just the bed where water has sat in the bed and rusted through.

Please folk, I need all the help I can get.

Thanks in advance.

BTW - putting in engine 1 Feb

 

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Sounds like your problem isn't a "how to do it" issue but more of a "should I do it" issue.

You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you want a good looking restoration, you spend the money. There's no way around it.

Personally, I would look around for a new bed. My second option would be to get those panels from the donor truck. I would save my pennies until I could do that.

If I didn't care and just wanted a rig to drive around, I'de probably buy a couple sheets of 3/4" plywood, & cut them to size. If one of my buddies called the results ugly, I'de say, "You know what, it does. How about loaning me the money to fix it."