Need help on stepside bed wood install ?? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Botietruck · 12-28-2008, 10:35 PM

I will be starting on the final phase of my 13 year restoration project this week. I will be installing the oak bed wood kit. The wood has been routed for the metal strips and the lengths and widths are correct. The only thing missing is the drilled holes. I will be using forstner bits to drill the holes, but the one thing I am somewhat unclear of is the proper way to drill the large holes for the offset washers. Is there a pattern to follow? Should all 8 offset washers be in the same general position? I'm sure someone has done this in the past and will know what I'm talking about. Any ideas.

Thanks!

myoldchevytruck · 12-28-2008, 10:50 PM

Here's a link to Mar-K. This section provides installation hints for the wood, angle and bed strips and other associated hardware. I'm also going to make my own wood bed. After talking with the folks at Mar-K, they directed me to this link - seems like there's allot of info for the DIY guy. Good Luck and Happy New Year.

p.s. they are extremely helpful when calling

http://www.mar-k.com/installation_hints.html

whatnow123 · 12-28-2008, 11:55 PM

I don't know if it makes a real difference or not, (at least it hasn't on mine, but I'll never have anything in the bed). But I mounted the bed, then shallow routed out the area for the bed bolts so the boards would lay flat and the bed bolts are "blind". Just an option.

msgross · 12-29-2008, 12:01 AM

The NOS wood I have for sale doesn't have those holes either... good info though..I know GMC Pauls website has good info on bed wood... not sure about those holes though

72BLUZ · 12-29-2008, 12:11 AM

i didnt use them in mine, see if this picture helps. we just used the strips to secure the wood

Botietruck · 12-29-2008, 08:01 PM

Thanks guys for the advice! I like the idea of hiding the mounting bolts.

mbgmike · 12-30-2008, 11:21 AM

If you want it real clean the under bed bolting method is the way to go. Follow Mar-K's instructions. Thats exactly how we have done them. Just be careful with the Forstner bit cause they can jump out of the little pilot point and cut an inwanted groove . We completly finish the wood then drill the wholes and touch up the drilled holes after words. . I also use a block of wood drilled out and marked to set the depth correct.

You can make a jig to use a plunge router but we like just using the drill bit.

Like anything just mark the locations and re-check them 2 or 3 times.

12-28-2008, 10:35 PM	#1
Botietruck '71 chevy s.bed/s.side Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 1,571	Need help on stepside bed wood install ?? I will be starting on the final phase of my 13 year restoration project this week. I will be installing the oak bed wood kit. The wood has been routed for the metal strips and the lengths and widths are correct. The only thing missing is the drilled holes. I will be using forstner bits to drill the holes, but the one thing I am somewhat unclear of is the proper way to drill the large holes for the offset washers. Is there a pattern to follow? Should all 8 offset washers be in the same general position? I'm sure someone has done this in the past and will know what I'm talking about. Any ideas. Thanks! __________________ STILL PLAYS WITH CARS...AND TRUCKS!! Parents! Be good to your kids...they get to choose your nursing home! 250 I-6 with a 3 speed Saginaw and Borg Warner Overdrive...She's got overdrive!

12-28-2008, 10:50 PM	#2
myoldchevytruck Retired Air Force Veteran Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024 Posts: 1,808	Re: Need help on stepside bed wood install ?? Here's a link to Mar-K. This section provides installation hints for the wood, angle and bed strips and other associated hardware. I'm also going to make my own wood bed. After talking with the folks at Mar-K, they directed me to this link - seems like there's allot of info for the DIY guy. Good Luck and Happy New Year. p.s. they are extremely helpful when calling http://www.mar-k.com/installation_hints.html __________________ Harry 69' SWB Step Side 1/2 Ton w/68' Front Clip Swap from Leafs to Trailing Arms (Complete) Swap 6 Lug to 5 Lug (w/ Disk Brakes in Front) 3/6 Drop Help Support The Board Click Here For Information On How To Subscribe Krue's FAQ Page Vendors Last edited by myoldchevytruck; 12-28-2008 at 10:55 PM.

12-28-2008, 11:55 PM	#3
whatnow123 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 835	Re: Need help on stepside bed wood install ?? I don't know if it makes a real difference or not, (at least it hasn't on mine, but I'll never have anything in the bed). But I mounted the bed, then shallow routed out the area for the bed bolts so the boards would lay flat and the bed bolts are "blind". Just an option. __________________ 67 Short Step, 355, 700R 4.11 posi rear, 4/6 drop Discs on all 4 corners. Build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=219094

12-29-2008, 12:01 AM	#4
msgross Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Central PA Posts: 12,201	Re: Need help on stepside bed wood install ?? The NOS wood I have for sale doesn't have those holes either... good info though..I know GMC Pauls website has good info on bed wood... not sure about those holes though __________________ The Garage: 1968 K-10 SWB - "Project Money Pit" 1996 Z-71 - "huntin rig" 1969 C-10 LWB (SOLD) "Project flip that truck or else" 1993 Passport, F@rd 1-ton (SOLD)"Project Cousin Eddie" My Garage Build "The 1,000 footer" Last edited by msgross; 12-29-2008 at 12:02 AM.

12-29-2008, 12:11 AM	#5
72BLUZ Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: lafayette, ga. Posts: 832	Re: Need help on stepside bed wood install ?? i didnt use them in mine, see if this picture helps. we just used the strips to secure the wood __________________ Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.... Ronald Reagan

12-29-2008, 08:01 PM	#6
Botietruck '71 chevy s.bed/s.side Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 1,571	Re: Need help on stepside bed wood install ?? Thanks guys for the advice! I like the idea of hiding the mounting bolts. __________________ STILL PLAYS WITH CARS...AND TRUCKS!! Parents! Be good to your kids...they get to choose your nursing home! 250 I-6 with a 3 speed Saginaw and Borg Warner Overdrive...She's got overdrive!

12-30-2008, 11:21 AM	#7
mbgmike Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Pasadena,Tx /Pto Pta DR Posts: 5,415	Re: Need help on stepside bed wood install ?? If you want it real clean the under bed bolting method is the way to go. Follow Mar-K's instructions. Thats exactly how we have done them. Just be careful with the Forstner bit cause they can jump out of the little pilot point and cut an inwanted groove . We completly finish the wood then drill the wholes and touch up the drilled holes after words. . I also use a block of wood drilled out and marked to set the depth correct. You can make a jig to use a plunge router but we like just using the drill bit. Like anything just mark the locations and re-check them 2 or 3 times.



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