'77 8ft Box

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Nov 9, 1999 | 02:20 PM

Ryan Martin

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'77 8ft Box

I'm trying to locate somewhere that I could purchase a new box. I have been told to look for one made in America because boxes made overseas are not a high quailty metal, and they rust faster. Any suggestions?

Nov 9, 1999 | 11:06 PM

BigBrownTruck

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'77 8ft Box

I bought some fenders,hood,and tailgate from Eagle. I used the fenders but the fit was pretty crappy. Holes were misagligned and there was a bur on one that interfered with the grill. The hood was grossly wrong and the tailgate needed customization to work. I ended up having my original hood fixed and spent big bucks for a genuine (NOS) Ford tailgate. When I returned the 1st tailgate to Eagle, they brought out another by another Tawainese source and it was also flawed.

Nov 11, 1999 | 02:16 PM

Jeff

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'77 8ft Box

Any of these aftermarket shops (Eagle, Certifit) are only going to carry offshore parts. If you really want good metal go to a Ford dealer. There is a substantial difference as you suspected.

With all of the good boxes available in the wrecking yards, I don't know why you would want to pay more for an inferior import. At least if you get an original from a wrecking yard you know its that tough, thick steel used originally. I'd save yourself some dollars and go that route. These are very plentiful with no rust around here, Northwest.

Nov 11, 1999 | 05:07 PM

Ryan

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'77 8ft Box

The only problem is that I live in the middle of Michigan and their are only rusted out parts over here. All of the junk yard owners just laugh at me when I ask them for a part.

Nov 11, 1999 | 10:59 PM

gargantua123

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From: minnesota

'77 8ft Box

hi there is a company that specializes in old truck beds, cabs etc. they are located in fairfield, iowa. they utilize sheet metal from down south. no salt, no rust. as i recall prices are reasonable. they advertise in most pickup truck related regional publications. i'm in mn and have an ad copy around here somewhere as i need to do the cab and bed on my '74 f-100. but, as i write this i can't think of the name of the business. i just know they are there. perhaps someone else has the name for them.

Nov 13, 1999 | 04:10 PM

Bruce

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'77 8ft Box

Ryan:

I live in Sacramento, CA and am fortunate in that I can go to a number of local wrecking yards and get parts for my trucks.

Get on a mapping service, like Yahoo.com (they have a maps page) and specify a city you want (somewhere in the sun belt). Perhaps choose a city where a friend or relative lives. Select local businesses and get to wrecking yards. Call them and locate the bed you want.

Have your friend or relative go look at it to verify its condition. You can then drive down and get it or have them ship it to you. Shipping shouldn't cost more than $200 to $300. You can also make a mini-vacation out of it and see a friend or relative and know you are getting a factory bed in good shape.

Good Luck

Bruce

Nov 16, 1999 | 06:09 PM

Jeff

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'77 8ft Box

Ryan,
Actually although i live in the Pacific NW now I grew up on Oscoda, MI so I completely understand the dilemma.

Bruce has a good idea above. Although there is one comany in Romulus, MI which specializes in sheet metal. You're probably aware that Romulus is near Detroit Metro airport. I believe the company name is Sherman Industries. They make musclecar sheet metal for sure. Quite possible truck stuff too.