Steel Bed Floor? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sailed2japan · 11-05-2009, 03:33 PM

Has anyone ever put a truck together with a bed and used a steel floor? How did you or would you build the floor? I was thinking about doing this and using a 73-87 bed floor.

61TWUK · 11-05-2009, 03:40 PM

Mine has a steel floor... but its not out of another truck... its just two sheets of steel.

markeb01 · 11-05-2009, 04:29 PM

I used diamond plate aluminum for mine, although there have been times I wished I'd used steel diamond plate instead just to increase the weight on the back half of the truck.

To build the floor I used a piece of 3/4" marine plywood the same width as the floor, then split it down the middle so I could slip it under the angle rails on the sides, leaving a joint down the middle. Before installation I coated the wood on all sides with fiberglass resin (no cloth just resin) to completely seal the wood. I then rested 48" wide diamond plate on top and bolted it in place. I didn't have any way to get it under the angle rails, so it's centered and just touching the edges of the rails.

For 10 years I had a Gaylord bed cover installed so nobody could see it anyway. It's certainly not show worthy, but for a working truck it's easy and looks nice. The only pictures I have are very poor quality but show how it looks.

I've crawled under and looked at it and other than having 10 years of road dirt on it, the wood looks good as new with no deterioration.

mbgmike · 11-05-2009, 09:39 PM

You can use the floor out of later trucks. I do remember that they can be used their is a little problem but they do work. I will try and remember

sailed2japan · 11-05-2009, 09:54 PM

I guess I should have mentioned that I'll be doing it in a lwb fleet side. That diamond plate bed looks awesome, but the reason I was thinking of doing a steel floor was to be able to have it rhino lined and use it for some light work duties.

**Captainfab** · 11-06-2009, 01:44 AM

With some checking and measuring that I've done, the steel floors from the '67-'72's would be a nearly perfect fit into a '63-'66 bed. I have yet to do one but this is what I would suggest.

LostMy65 · 12-20-2015, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markeb01

I used diamond plate aluminum for mine, although there have been times I wished I'd used steel diamond plate instead just to increase the weight on the back half of the truck.

To build the floor I used a piece of 3/4" marine plywood the same width as the floor, then split it down the middle so I could slip it under the angle rails on the sides, leaving a joint down the middle. Before installation I coated the wood on all sides with fiberglass resin (no cloth just resin) to completely seal the wood. I then rested 48" wide diamond plate on top and bolted it in place. I didn't have any way to get it under the angle rails, so it's centered and just touching the edges of the rails.

For 10 years I had a Gaylord bed cover installed so nobody could see it anyway. It's certainly not show worthy, but for a working truck it's easy and looks nice. The only pictures I have are very poor quality but show how it looks.

I've crawled under and looked at it and other than having 10 years of road dirt on it, the wood looks good as new with no deterioration.

.
Somebody did Steel Diamond Plate in mine.

*LILRED66* · 11-06-2009, 07:03 AM

TX:

Here are a few photos of a '64 GMC lwb fleetside truck with a steel diamond plate bed, done by the previous owner. It is not show-quality, but super durable.

I like your idea of a factory steel bed floor, as a donor. I think, if done correctly, would look nice.

ob1monkey · 11-06-2009, 11:40 AM

I used a 70 lwb fleetside bed floor in my 66 the only thing I found was a spacer about 3/4 inch is needed at the front panel/ or you could move the lip up to accomidate. I will try to post some pics tonight.

62 short step · 11-06-2009, 01:21 PM

Yes pics would be good! This is what i've been wanting to do.

**Clyde65** · 11-06-2009, 01:27 PM

put the wood in it! Rhyno line the sides, front and tailgate. then when you need to haul something, roll out your trusty bed mat. this is what I do, the bed mat doesnt stay in the bed, I like my wood and this has kept it nice for years.

ob1monkey · 11-06-2009, 06:11 PM

this one shows the body lines after the steel floor

ChopperDr · 11-06-2009, 07:01 PM

That floor looks like it was made to go in there. I need to find one for mine.

ob1monkey · 11-06-2009, 07:54 PM

surprisingly no it lined up fine. I did however have to slightly drill out the holes in the frame. But that may be due to the hitch I welded in the frame.

hill64step · 11-06-2009, 06:07 PM

If you're looking into spray in liners go with Line-X. It may cost a little more than Rhino, but I promise you it's worth it.

62 short step · 11-06-2009, 07:00 PM

From the pic the body lines look good, did you have to ajust the bed to get them right?

62 short step · 11-06-2009, 08:02 PM

Cool! I've been looking for awhile but had no luck finding one, yet.

ob1monkey · 11-06-2009, 08:10 PM

I got mine off craigslist and then just hoped it was going to fit. I had a lead on a 73-87 bed but thought the 67-722 would line up better due to the frames being almost identical. .

sailed2japan · 11-09-2009, 03:46 PM

Awesome info guys thanks for the input.

ob1monkey: Can yopu take some close ups of the spacer to show where and how itwas installed?

LeftCoast32 · 11-09-2009, 05:33 PM

I also have a 67-72 Long Fleet Floor that is going in my '66 Long Fleet Bed. I will take pictures when we are assembling it.

94tx · 11-10-2009, 01:47 AM

I did not install it, but if I remember correctly the PO said it was out a 73-87 truck, looks like it lined up perfectly. I would get better pics but my truck is back at the parents while I'm at school.

63whoopie · 11-10-2009, 02:10 AM

I am interested in putting in a steel floor in my shortbed stepside.... figured I would have to get a bed floor and cut it down. Just found a listing on Craiglsist for a "70's 80's stepside bed for sale or trade" for $85. Is it possible to just switch the fenders and run that bed? (it will have metal floors, right?) I won't buy it just for the floor; poor college kid.

*lakeroadster* · 11-10-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 63whoopie

I am interested in putting in a steel floor in my shortbed stepside.... figured I would have to get a bed floor and cut it down. Just found a listing on Craiglsist for a "70's 80's stepside bed for sale or trade" for $85. Is it possible to just switch the fenders and run that bed? (it will have metal floors, right?) I won't buy it just for the floor; poor college kid.

Yes and No

Yes... you can swap out the fenders but you also need to swap out the correct steps also as they match the fender style,

No.... I think all step-sides in the era you mention had wood floors.

My '65 had a '67-72 bed when I bought it and it had a wood floor. I put 58-66 fenders and steps on it.

ob1monkey · 11-10-2009, 09:49 AM

It goes under the steel floor between the lip on the front panel and floor pics would be very dificult to see from underneth. it's to make up for were the wood should be.

tc187211 · 11-12-2009, 07:05 PM

I just ran across this thread, I am looking to do steel in my 78 stepside, i called my local steel recycler and they will custom cut a piece of floor plate steel for $84.95. In 1/8" thick weights 167lbs. This is the diamond plate design. Anyone know if this will be thick enough? The guy said 1/4" would be 305lbs and way more then needed but he said to check around? This seemed to be the easiest way to get it made to fit perfect.

11-05-2009, 03:33 PM	#1
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Steel Bed Floor? Has anyone ever put a truck together with a bed and used a steel floor? How did you or would you build the floor? I was thinking about doing this and using a 73-87 bed floor. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-05-2009, 03:40 PM	#2
61TWUK Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Charleston SC Posts: 290	Re: Steel Bed Floor? Mine has a steel floor... but its not out of another truck... its just two sheets of steel. __________________ 1961 Apache SWB/SBW for now... Built 327 You need two tools in life: duct tape and WD-40. If it moves and it shouldn't, you use duct tape. If it doesn't move and it should, you use WD-40.

11-05-2009, 04:29 PM	#3
markeb01 Senior Enthusiast Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Spokane Valley, WA Posts: 8,356	Re: Steel Bed Floor? I used diamond plate aluminum for mine, although there have been times I wished I'd used steel diamond plate instead just to increase the weight on the back half of the truck. To build the floor I used a piece of 3/4" marine plywood the same width as the floor, then split it down the middle so I could slip it under the angle rails on the sides, leaving a joint down the middle. Before installation I coated the wood on all sides with fiberglass resin (no cloth just resin) to completely seal the wood. I then rested 48" wide diamond plate on top and bolted it in place. I didn't have any way to get it under the angle rails, so it's centered and just touching the edges of the rails. For 10 years I had a Gaylord bed cover installed so nobody could see it anyway. It's certainly not show worthy, but for a working truck it's easy and looks nice. The only pictures I have are very poor quality but show how it looks. I've crawled under and looked at it and other than having 10 years of road dirt on it, the wood looks good as new with no deterioration.

11-05-2009, 09:39 PM	#4
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: Steel Bed Floor? You can use the floor out of later trucks. I do remember that they can be used their is a little problem but they do work. I will try and remember

11-05-2009, 09:54 PM	#5
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: Steel Bed Floor? I guess I should have mentioned that I'll be doing it in a lwb fleet side. That diamond plate bed looks awesome, but the reason I was thinking of doing a steel floor was to be able to have it rhino lined and use it for some light work duties. __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR

11-06-2009, 01:44 AM	#6
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: Steel Bed Floor? With some checking and measuring that I've done, the steel floors from the '67-'72's would be a nearly perfect fit into a '63-'66 bed. I have yet to do one but this is what I would suggest. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

11-06-2009, 07:03 AM	#8
LILRED66 Account Suspended Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, KS Posts: 3,906	Re: Steel Bed Floor? TX: Here are a few photos of a '64 GMC lwb fleetside truck with a steel diamond plate bed, done by the previous owner. It is not show-quality, but super durable. I like your idea of a factory steel bed floor, as a donor. I think, if done correctly, would look nice. Attached Images

11-06-2009, 11:40 AM	#9
ob1monkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: sanford,fl Posts: 185	Re: Steel Bed Floor? I used a 70 lwb fleetside bed floor in my 66 the only thing I found was a spacer about 3/4 inch is needed at the front panel/ or you could move the lip up to accomidate. I will try to post some pics tonight.

11-06-2009, 01:21 PM	#10
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: Steel Bed Floor? Yes pics would be good! This is what i've been wanting to do. __________________ www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com 1965 c-10 86 chevy c/k 20

11-06-2009, 01:27 PM	#11
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: Steel Bed Floor? put the wood in it! Rhyno line the sides, front and tailgate. then when you need to haul something, roll out your trusty bed mat. this is what I do, the bed mat doesnt stay in the bed, I like my wood and this has kept it nice for years. __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

11-06-2009, 06:11 PM	#12
ob1monkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: sanford,fl Posts: 185	Re: Steel Bed Floor? this one shows the body lines after the steel floor

11-06-2009, 07:01 PM	#13
ChopperDr Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: WA Posts: 189	Re: Steel Bed Floor? That floor looks like it was made to go in there. I need to find one for mine.

11-06-2009, 07:54 PM	#14
ob1monkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: sanford,fl Posts: 185	Re: Steel Bed Floor? surprisingly no it lined up fine. I did however have to slightly drill out the holes in the frame. But that may be due to the hitch I welded in the frame.

11-06-2009, 06:07 PM	#15
hill64step Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Mooresville, NC Posts: 46	Re: Steel Bed Floor? If you're looking into spray in liners go with Line-X. It may cost a little more than Rhino, but I promise you it's worth it. __________________ 64 Stepside.. A work in progress..

11-06-2009, 07:00 PM	#16
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: Steel Bed Floor? From the pic the body lines look good, did you have to ajust the bed to get them right? __________________ www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com 1965 c-10 86 chevy c/k 20



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11-06-2009, 08:02 PM	#17
62 short step Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Greenwell Springs, Louisiana Posts: 2,882	Re: Steel Bed Floor? Cool! I've been looking for awhile but had no luck finding one, yet. __________________ www.louisianaclassictruckclub.com 1965 c-10 86 chevy c/k 20

11-06-2009, 08:10 PM	#18
ob1monkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: sanford,fl Posts: 185	Re: Steel Bed Floor? I got mine off craigslist and then just hoped it was going to fit. I had a lead on a 73-87 bed but thought the 67-722 would line up better due to the frames being almost identical. .

11-09-2009, 03:46 PM	#19
sailed2japan Jonny Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Outside the Box, Austin,TX Posts: 741	Re: Steel Bed Floor? Awesome info guys thanks for the input. ob1monkey: Can yopu take some close ups of the spacer to show where and how itwas installed? __________________ 1966 C30, Cummins, stacks, and a flat bed in progress... "Honor.....simply put, A veteran - whether active duty, retired, national guard or reserve is someone who, at one time in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America', for an amount of 'up to and including his life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it." -AEC Hundley USNR Last edited by sailed2japan; 11-09-2009 at 03:49 PM.

11-09-2009, 05:33 PM	#20
LeftCoast32 Custom Builder Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Carlsbad, California Posts: 908	Re: Steel Bed Floor? I also have a 67-72 Long Fleet Floor that is going in my '66 Long Fleet Bed. I will take pictures when we are assembling it. __________________ 1932 Chevy Roadster Car and Pick-Up - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=465709 1966 K20 Factory 4X4 - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=455484 (Sold) 1972 K5 Blazer (Sold) - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ad.php?t=87530 2007 TrailBlazer SS - http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...34#post4706534

11-10-2009, 01:47 AM	#21
94tx Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 78	Re: Steel Bed Floor? I did not install it, but if I remember correctly the PO said it was out a 73-87 truck, looks like it lined up perfectly. I would get better pics but my truck is back at the parents while I'm at school.

11-10-2009, 02:10 AM	#22
63whoopie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama Posts: 37	Re: Steel Bed Floor? I am interested in putting in a steel floor in my shortbed stepside.... figured I would have to get a bed floor and cut it down. Just found a listing on Craiglsist for a "70's 80's stepside bed for sale or trade" for $85. Is it possible to just switch the fenders and run that bed? (it will have metal floors, right?) I won't buy it just for the floor; poor college kid.

11-10-2009, 09:49 AM	#24
ob1monkey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: sanford,fl Posts: 185	Re: Steel Bed Floor? It goes under the steel floor between the lip on the front panel and floor pics would be very dificult to see from underneth. it's to make up for were the wood should be.

11-12-2009, 07:05 PM	#25
tc187211 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: rapid city, sd Posts: 8	Re: Steel Bed Floor? I just ran across this thread, I am looking to do steel in my 78 stepside, i called my local steel recycler and they will custom cut a piece of floor plate steel for $84.95. In 1/8" thick weights 167lbs. This is the diamond plate design. Anyone know if this will be thick enough? The guy said 1/4" would be 305lbs and way more then needed but he said to check around? This seemed to be the easiest way to get it made to fit perfect.

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