Who makes the best SWB bedsides? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

SCOTI · 10-02-2013, 11:30 PM

Curious if the square body bedsides vary in quality like the other re-pop stuff? If so.... what brand is better (best

)?

izzy_Britton · 10-03-2013, 12:36 AM

I have in the past used Mar-K, LMC, levans group, and another that the name escapes me currently. since the bedsides are all bolt on with the exception of a single 1 inch long stitch weld at the rear, there is not much difference in actual FIT. I did notice some differences between them all where the rear bed stake hole meets the upright and tailgate pocket, some didnt seem to be welded quite right.

i did a truck years ago where the left bed side was from company A and the right was from company B and the differences where imperceptible. both had similar flaws in the same places and both seemed to be made from the same material.

I have heard rumors about LMC buying and refurbishing a set of original GM stamps for sheet metal (specifically bed sides and 81-91 cowl vents) but i would guess these to be only rumors and i would almost be willing to bet money that if one looked hard enough you could probably trace all the parts back from different companies to a single manufacturer. this is my opinion and not fact.

aftermarket fenders, even from different suppliers have wrinkles in the same places sooo... just my $0.02 worth.

Bedsides being what they are, big heavy chunks of formed sheet metal. I would be more apt to go with Mar-K if they are still around or LMC. but depending upon your proximity to one of their depots, you might consider that shipping might hurt a little more than a little clean up from a supplier who is MORE local.

-Izzy

kalbert · 10-03-2013, 01:12 AM

I'd be shocked if there was more than one or two factories stamping out parts. Everything I've ever seen came in the same box, sometimes with a different label stuck on, but otherwise indistinguishable from any other.
Posted via Mobile Device

SCOTI · 10-03-2013, 10:11 AM

I know my buddy bought a pair from LMC a while back & would not use them because they were so wavy. This is why I figured I should investigate other possibilities.
Posted via Mobile Device

10-02-2013, 11:30 PM	#1
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Who makes the best SWB bedsides? Curious if the square body bedsides vary in quality like the other re-pop stuff? If so.... what brand is better (best )? __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

10-03-2013, 12:36 AM	#2
izzy_Britton Registered User Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Nor-Cal Posts: 632	Re: Who makes the best SWB bedsides? I have in the past used Mar-K, LMC, levans group, and another that the name escapes me currently. since the bedsides are all bolt on with the exception of a single 1 inch long stitch weld at the rear, there is not much difference in actual FIT. I did notice some differences between them all where the rear bed stake hole meets the upright and tailgate pocket, some didnt seem to be welded quite right. i did a truck years ago where the left bed side was from company A and the right was from company B and the differences where imperceptible. both had similar flaws in the same places and both seemed to be made from the same material. I have heard rumors about LMC buying and refurbishing a set of original GM stamps for sheet metal (specifically bed sides and 81-91 cowl vents) but i would guess these to be only rumors and i would almost be willing to bet money that if one looked hard enough you could probably trace all the parts back from different companies to a single manufacturer. this is my opinion and not fact. aftermarket fenders, even from different suppliers have wrinkles in the same places sooo... just my $0.02 worth. Bedsides being what they are, big heavy chunks of formed sheet metal. I would be more apt to go with Mar-K if they are still around or LMC. but depending upon your proximity to one of their depots, you might consider that shipping might hurt a little more than a little clean up from a supplier who is MORE local. -Izzy __________________ WHO_DCTC - Wifes 05 Z-71 Build - Now defunct as she decided she wants an Escalade too Cream Puff - LS'd Square - Slow going on the back burner Tripple Threat - 3 Wrecks for the price of one build thread Project Delongdium - Step-Sons Plastic Clad 2003 Avalanche - DONE and Delivered.

10-03-2013, 01:12 AM	#3
kalbert Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 509	Re: Who makes the best SWB bedsides? I'd be shocked if there was more than one or two factories stamping out parts. Everything I've ever seen came in the same box, sometimes with a different label stuck on, but otherwise indistinguishable from any other. Posted via Mobile Device

10-03-2013, 10:11 AM	#4
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 22,068	Re: Who makes the best SWB bedsides? I know my buddy bought a pair from LMC a while back & would not use them because they were so wavy. This is why I figured I should investigate other possibilities. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*



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