Question on Bed Replacement 71 GMC 2500 Custom

[beaniid]

Hi all,
I have a 1971 GMC 2500 Custom with a Knapheide Utility Bed that has been in my family since the year it was made.
My grandpa and I recently overhauled the engine and carb so the powertrain is all ready to go.
I am looking to make this more of a daily use vehicle by replacing the utility bed with either a fleetside or stepside long bed, but as I do not have experience with this task I was wondering if anyone might be willing to give some advice on the following questions:
1. Is this a very difficult task to complete? (ie does it require drilling the chassis or having to do extensive changes to make a new bed compatible)
2. Where is a good place to look to purchase a bed to replace it with?
3. Do I have to get a bed from a 2500/C20 or can I use a bed from a 1500/C10?
Any other advice, tips, or any comments are welcomed.

Thanks,
Brad

Forgot to mention, I live in Utah, Truck is in Idaho currently.

[bigdog55]

The utility bed should bolt on like the regular bed (not sure, I have never dealt with a utility bed). As far as I can tell, the regular bed are the same on the half and three quartet ton. There are several vendors out there and some on the board here that sell the bed panels to make the bed. Everything bolts together. Its not cheep though. You would need to be sure that all the parts are for a metal floor or wood floor.

[Warrens69GMC]

Michael Bustamante sells beds and is in New Mexico.