I am new to this forum. I have a 78 4x4 w/ 6ft bed.
Needs lots of rust replaced on the bed.
Would like to replace entire bedsides but cannot locate a replacement 6ft piece.

Can I cut an 8ft bedside down to fit?

I found a post from back in 2008 and a guy said he did it. Anyone ever do it and maybe a pic or two?

Seems like that would be easier than trying to patch mine up with 2 or 3 replacement panels.

Thanks

 

Well, I thiiiink that the difference in length is only between the rear wheels and front of the bed, not split with like, one additional foot behind the rear wheels, and one in front. So I guess that would mean that with one cut on each side you could do it. One obvious thing to watch out for is gas tank door location, as that will change depending on where you cut, but for the trouble of trying to weld, grind, fill, and sand PERFECTLY a 2 and a half foot gash on each side of your bed, I'd just find the sides. They're out there somewhere, that would be a ton of work, in addition to the cutting and welding that new bed sides are just in and of themselves.
AleX

 

i would either find another 6 ft bed or buy the bed sides, LMC truck sells the bed sides, i cant remember the price though, or put a flatbed on it or find a newer stepside bed and put on it, i personally would put a stepside on it as i think the flaresides look odd on a short wheel base

 

either what nothercrash said or just find a better 6ft bed somewhere thats not as bad as yours...just my .02