73-79 Truck Bed differences
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73-79 Truck Bed differences
Hello all - I am looking at beds for my 79 extended cab 4x4. It currently has a flat bed. I have a couple I have been looking at but had some questions.
1) Will a 73-77 work? If I understand correctly these trucks have narrower frames.
2) Also, how can I tell the difference in years? I am needing dual tanks and some have the covers and some are open-type holes.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated. I just want to get the right bed the first time!
1) Will a 73-77 work? If I understand correctly these trucks have narrower frames.
2) Also, how can I tell the difference in years? I am needing dual tanks and some have the covers and some are open-type holes.
Any help is GREATLY appreciated. I just want to get the right bed the first time!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Other side of the sunrise
78 and 79 had factory gas doors on the bed to match the location of the tanks. Yes the frame rales were closer together on 73 - mid 77. You can drill holes and fab to match your frame but the best way to do it is find a bed with the same bed mounts, especially since you need the gas doors in the correct spot for your spare gas tanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: NE Texas
73 thru 79 are the same *except* for the openings for the gas tanks and some of the trim.
Oops - I forgot you mentioned the frame rails and only now see that you have an F250. The bed will fit, with a little drilling as stated above.
Oops - I forgot you mentioned the frame rails and only now see that you have an F250. The bed will fit, with a little drilling as stated above.
Last edited by Big Orn; Oct 20, 2004 at 02:50 PM.
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Hmmmm....Thanks for the replies!! Man, these babies are hard enough to find without narrowing down to 78 or 79. But, I want it to fit right and the side trim as well.
I am taking it that I can get a 73-79 BUT a 78 or 79 would be better for the gas tank purposes. The drilling isn't that big of deal if that is all that is required as I can fill in the old holes if needed.
I am taking it that I can get a 73-79 BUT a 78 or 79 would be better for the gas tank purposes. The drilling isn't that big of deal if that is all that is required as I can fill in the old holes if needed.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2003
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78 and 79 with the gas door allow the gas to go into the tank much easier than the 73-76 design. So much in fact that I put a 78 bed on my 76 truck. Trust me, you'll be saving yourself much headaches if you get the later bed. BTW, I think 77 is included in the gas door models (78 79)
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2003
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The earlier 2wds have the same frame widths as your truck. You can get a bed off any 2wd from 73-79.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: SW Missouri
1973 beds will fit, but they are heavier, and have metal backed taillights with four screws, they also have different inner stampings/wheelwells.they have exposed filler necks.
1974-76 are the same as 77-79 but with exposed fillers
77-79 are same as 74-up but have filler doors instead. they also have different rubber pieces at the tailgate, and different tailgate drain holes. they are also slightly lighter with slightly thinner sheetmetal.
I have only noticed wider frames with shortbeds, and 4x4s. all others bolt up just fine
1974-76 are the same as 77-79 but with exposed fillers
77-79 are same as 74-up but have filler doors instead. they also have different rubber pieces at the tailgate, and different tailgate drain holes. they are also slightly lighter with slightly thinner sheetmetal.
I have only noticed wider frames with shortbeds, and 4x4s. all others bolt up just fine
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Wilton, Ca
I am looking for a new bed also for my 77 custom.The man who had it befor cut holes in the side for the after market gas tanks.Looks really bad. I got a estamate to put regular gas tank doors on $900.00 EA. Buy another bed for that $1800.00. That is more then I paid for the truck.
Sure wish I was a body man.
Don
Sure wish I was a body man.
Don
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$900 for fuel doors?? That is NUTS! I bought a a 77 F-350 Camper Special with a camper for $1650. Just sold the camper for $700 and I figure $1000 for the cab and chassis. So, got the bed for free pretty much. Mine had a hole for the aftermarket tank also. I was really surprised in that the truck had a 460 and only 1 gas tank. It doesn't look to bad though. I may keep it or cut and weld another door on the side like it should be. Haven't quite decided.
I guess my point is it may be cheaper to buy a truck with a good bed than find a bed by itself. If you are interested I may have another one located in Kansas. It is funny, I looked forever and now they are everywhere! There looked to be zero rust over the fender wells too.
I guess my point is it may be cheaper to buy a truck with a good bed than find a bed by itself. If you are interested I may have another one located in Kansas. It is funny, I looked forever and now they are everywhere! There looked to be zero rust over the fender wells too.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Wilton, Ca
Replaceing the sides is a great idea.The only thing would be the shipeing price.Unless it is a dealer item which I doute,I don't think there is a aftermarket supplier around.I'm going to check it out though. Thanks. Don
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: SD
About a year ago, I installed bedsides on my '73 longbox. When pricing them out, I found that the $100 bedsides cost about $125 each for shipping. A local autobody supply store got me better sides (heavier guage metal) for $250 each and no shipping charges - so I went that route. Cost me $500 and some labor for a like new box...
And I chose to order sides for a '79 to get the fuel door opening. Then I just went to a salvage yard for the filler tube assembly off a '77-'79, much better than the '73 style...
Marty
And I chose to order sides for a '79 to get the fuel door opening. Then I just went to a salvage yard for the filler tube assembly off a '77-'79, much better than the '73 style...
Marty
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