About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

1963-4x4 · 03-28-2013, 09:05 PM

So, I just finished tearing out all the old, rotted plywood from my 63, and I have a few questions regarding replacing it.

I can't afford a kit premade for replacing it, so I'm resorting to some DIY options. I plan on using 2x6's for my replacement wood, and without the metal strips that go between them. I was wondering how much should I plane off of the wood, what kind of gap should I leave between them, and if 2x6's are even the best option. For anyone who has done this before, how wide was the wood you used?

Pictures are always appreciated!

Sillyoldman · 03-28-2013, 09:14 PM

Use 1 x (3/4" thick) lumber. Anything else will throw off your bed height. Thicker wood wont fit into the front roll pan either. Check out GMC Pauls for directions on how to make your own replacement wood. http://www.gmcpauls.com/47-72_BedWood_Info.htm

62 Barnfind · 03-29-2013, 10:24 AM

I also cut my bed myself using GMC paul's dimensions. It's not hard just use a scrap piece first to cut it right. It cost me about $80 to do it.

1963c-10 · 03-29-2013, 11:01 AM

Be carefull if planning on using treated lumber....some of the new chemicals will rust / eat metal.

1963-4x4 · 03-29-2013, 11:13 AM

Thanks a bunch, that website will definitely help me a lot!

'65 chevy lover · 03-29-2013, 04:16 PM

Great site Sillyoldman! Thanks for posting that!

jesseo · 03-29-2013, 05:37 PM

Getting ready to do the same myself. Got the wood today and plan to work on it the next couple of weekends.

**jayoldschool** · 03-29-2013, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1963c-10

Be carefull if planning on using treated lumber....some of the new chemicals will rust / eat metal.

Is pressure treated ok to use if the wood is completely primed/painted with exterior paint?

68panelman · 03-29-2013, 07:50 PM

Pressure treated lumber is no good as bedwood. The sun makes it crack,check,warp within 8-12 months, It's only good when in constant moisture/water. As a Dockbuilder by trade, ask me how i know.

Rich 5150 69 · 03-29-2013, 08:19 PM

Glad I got rid of the wood 20 years ago.....T6061 T-6 alum plate.

**jayoldschool** · 03-29-2013, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68panelman

Pressure treated lumber is no good as bedwood. The sun makes it crack,check,warp within 8-12 months, It's only good when in constant moisture/water. As a Dockbuilder by trade, ask me how i know.

My deck is made of pressure treated. It still looks fine ten years after being built. It sits outside all year in the rain and snow....

bschoolz1 · 03-29-2013, 09:13 PM

also used pressure treated wood in my bed no problems at all just a ***** to cut

**jayoldschool** · 03-29-2013, 09:53 PM

Did you paint it?

68panelman · 03-30-2013, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jayoldschool

My deck is made of pressure treated. It still looks fine ten years after being built. It sits outside all year in the rain and snow....

Just giving an opinion, If i was replaceing bedwood, Thats a job i would want to do only once.

**jayoldschool** · 03-30-2013, 12:08 PM

I completely agree, I only want to do it once. What else would you suggest for a truck that is going to sit outside. I will paint it. Low cost is good, too!

**Clyde65** · 03-30-2013, 12:58 PM

I've seen some guys use that composite lumber before, that is maintenance free and will probably outlast the truck, only issue is the cost.

I called a lumber company and asked for Hicory/Pecan wood. Cut to my dimensions was $175. Picked up. Before you say anything, I gave them what GMCPaul had. It is a very hard wood,will weather well and take stain easily. This is what I'll do for my bed when I get to it.
Posted via Mobile Device

03-28-2013, 09:05 PM	#1
1963-4x4 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 23	About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! So, I just finished tearing out all the old, rotted plywood from my 63, and I have a few questions regarding replacing it. I can't afford a kit premade for replacing it, so I'm resorting to some DIY options. I plan on using 2x6's for my replacement wood, and without the metal strips that go between them. I was wondering how much should I plane off of the wood, what kind of gap should I leave between them, and if 2x6's are even the best option. For anyone who has done this before, how wide was the wood you used? Pictures are always appreciated!

03-28-2013, 09:14 PM	#2
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! Use 1 x (3/4" thick) lumber. Anything else will throw off your bed height. Thicker wood wont fit into the front roll pan either. Check out GMC Pauls for directions on how to make your own replacement wood. http://www.gmcpauls.com/47-72_BedWood_Info.htm __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.*

03-29-2013, 10:24 AM	#3
62 Barnfind Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Salado, Tx Posts: 1,374	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! I also cut my bed myself using GMC paul's dimensions. It's not hard just use a scrap piece first to cut it right. It cost me about $80 to do it. __________________ John Z 1962 Chevy C10 Stepside 62 Barnfind My build tread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=507513

03-29-2013, 11:01 AM	#4
1963c-10 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: fayetteville nc Posts: 10,338	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! Be carefull if planning on using treated lumber....some of the new chemicals will rust / eat metal. __________________ 1963 Short bed step side SBW 427 big block and borg warner T-16 HD 3 speed manual http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=519869 1963 Short bed fleetside BBW 348 1st gen big block w/Powerglide http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=619024 1964 Short bed trailer

03-29-2013, 11:13 AM	#5
1963-4x4 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Seattle, Washington Posts: 23	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! Thanks a bunch, that website will definitely help me a lot!

03-29-2013, 04:16 PM	#6
'65 chevy lover Registered User Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Ft. Worth, Tx Posts: 536	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! Great site Sillyoldman! Thanks for posting that!

03-29-2013, 05:37 PM	#7
jesseo Registered User Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Central Point Posts: 236	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! Getting ready to do the same myself. Got the wood today and plan to work on it the next couple of weekends.

03-29-2013, 07:50 PM	#9
68panelman Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Delaware and Long Island, New York Posts: 3,456	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! Pressure treated lumber is no good as bedwood. The sun makes it crack,check,warp within 8-12 months, It's only good when in constant moisture/water. As a Dockbuilder by trade, ask me how i know.

03-29-2013, 08:19 PM	#10
Rich 5150 69 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Galt, Calif Posts: 2,437	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! Glad I got rid of the wood 20 years ago.....T6061 T-6 alum plate. Attached Images __________________ `64 C10 vortec 350/350/373 posi `69 RS/SS 350/350/308 `37 Ford 406/350/324 traclock `68 Dart 370/904/323 suregrip

03-29-2013, 09:13 PM	#12
bschoolz1 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: raleigh nc Posts: 41	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! also used pressure treated wood in my bed no problems at all just a ***** to cut

03-29-2013, 09:53 PM	#13
jayoldschool Moderator Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 2,176	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! Did you paint it?

03-30-2013, 12:08 PM	#15
jayoldschool Moderator Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: ON, Canada Posts: 2,176	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! I completely agree, I only want to do it once. What else would you suggest for a truck that is going to sit outside. I will paint it. Low cost is good, too!

03-30-2013, 12:58 PM	#16
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: About to replace the wood bed, have some questions! I've seen some guys use that composite lumber before, that is maintenance free and will probably outlast the truck, only issue is the cost. I called a lumber company and asked for Hicory/Pecan wood. Cut to my dimensions was $175. Picked up. Before you say anything, I gave them what GMCPaul had. It is a very hard wood,will weather well and take stain easily. This is what I'll do for my bed when I get to it. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 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!*

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