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I have a 51 F1 and I will be replacing the tailgate and front bed pannel, while trying to save the original side pannels. Looking on line to source replacement parts, I noticed that the front bed pannel for a late 50, 51, and 52 are flat pannels while the 48, 49, and early 50 pannels have ribs. I like the ribbed pannel of the 48 - early 50 pannels. Seems to me that the early pannel with the ribs would be stronger than the later pannel.
Does anyone know the differences between the two pannels? Can an early pannel be modified to fit the later bed?
So, if anyone can help, I would appreciate any information available.
There are quite a few custom rod shops in Roseville and Rocklin area...I would take your header panel to one of them and have one fabricated to your specs.
Direct Sheetmetal in El Cajon will fab one up for you but they are a little farther drive.
The panel itself is not very complex if there are no ribs...another consideration is a panel overlay that can be attached to cover the OEM panel. I did that on my 56, both the header panel and side panels...very stout and the added weight on the rear axle doesn't hurt either.
I can see the discussion 50 years from now as a future owner of your truck argues that 51 trucks came with a ribbed headwall because they're absolutely sure it's all stock original.
Don't think that will happen as the plan is for the truck to stay in the family. But the truck is not stock as it has Jaguar IFS, IRS, and a small block chevy 350 and 350 Trans. What ever I do with the bed front pannel, I am sure it won't matter.
I am sure I can get a custom pannel built but what I was looking for was the differences between the late and early pannels.
My thought was that I might be able to modify the early pannel to fit my 51 bed. I gotta buy one anyway so ????
The front panels aren't that different, but the differences are definite. The biggest change is the top of the panel and how it attaches to the sides. The later style is much stronger with a boxed top edge and captive nuts for bolting it together. The early style is a simple rolled edge with spot welds and rivets holding it together. I think the early style could be made to fit if you really wanted to go to the trouble.
Thanks guys, I really appreciate the photos and comments. Haven't decided what I am going to do yet. I really like the ribbed design of the 48 through early 50 pannel, but I agree that the top portion of the later pannel is much sturdier and better looking.
I guess I'll have to pull out the old pannel that I have for the 51 and give it a once over and see what I think.
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