Bed condition + wood question - Pictures included

[Mrphoto]

So I'm new to the game...new to me truck and all.

It had a piece of sheet metal in there in the bed rattling around...didn't like that...I want wood!

So here are some pictures....please help me and tell me what my situation is please...what am I missing, do I have to do anything special to prepare for a bed kit, do i have to replace anything?

I think there's a fair amount of caked on mud...but there's rust too. Should I clean, scrub, rinse, dry and coat everything with some POR-15 or something first? Or are there major pieces that need to be replaced/purchased?

And this is a 'daily driver' build, not a restoration if that helps clarify my next steps.

Is Mar-K THE BEST place to go for bed kit? Thanks!!!

[sigshooter]

Mar-K is the only way to go.... you need the wood, bed strips and bolt kit

[rbar]

I agree on MAR-K and they are having a 10% off sale right now. Looks like you have some rust issues that you will have to clean up, but you could install the wood with some basic cleanup knowing that you might have to address the metal again before you get to the painting process. Their front bed panels are pretty nice too.

[fleetsidelarry]

Mrphoto, there is an ongoing thread about alternatives to the typical wood you might want to check out, it seems like it popped up not long ago, you could run a search for it. (here it is: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...light=bed+wood )

if you end up going with wood I strongly suggest you read Mar-K tests articles, particularly the LONG TERM results. lots of guys go with oak because, I guess, of the appearance. but, IMO, oak is not the best wood for a truck that will see daily use as a truck, especially if it will be parked out in the weather.

http://www.mar-k.com/final_summary.aspx

I like POR and used it on my cross sills, but it would be difficult and messy to paint everything effectively (as in getting at the undersides) while the bed is assembled, even without wood in place.

these things can get to be a real job even if you're not going for "show quality".

you can also do your own wood:

http://www.gmcpauls.com/47-72_BedWood_Info.htm

[1963c-10]

Id replace the angle strips also, judging by the condition of them. They are spot-welded in and can be removed by cold chisel, drilling or cutting out. I have found the hammer/chisel to be the most effective.

[Sharps40]

I did a thread on here for the bed of Ol John Lee. I went w pine as original and used strips and bolts f/LMC.
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[Snowbound]

I agree with the others on wood choice. Oak is for trailer queens and trucks that never get wet/used. Once that glossy urethane starts to peel up, you will be hating it.

I plan on using treated pine and cutting it myself. Should last forever and I can throw junk on it without fear of scratching it. A nice transparent stain on top to seal/colour it, and it will not peel off. Save the urethane for the piano.

Good luck!

[mark 66]

I would reccomend mar-k. I bought their whole bed sides and front bed panel as well as the wood kit and strips.very nice stuff. and it all fits as it should.

[slorio]

I wouldn't recommend the treated pine. Since they changed the treatment process to eliminate arsenic, the treatment is now very corrosive to steel. All of the framing connectors and nails that come in contact with new treated lumber need to be hot dipped galvanized or stainless to fight off the corrosive properties of that treated lumber. I believe that use of that treated lumber would be very corrosive to the steel in our beds despite any paint you may use.

I hope this is helpful.
regards,
Steve
New Orleans

[Snowbound]

Originally Posted by slorio

I wouldn't recommend the treated pine. Since they changed the treatment process to eliminate arsenic, the treatment is now very corrosive to steel. All of the framing connectors and nails that come in contact with new treated lumber need to be hot dipped galvanized or stainless to fight off the corrosive properties of that treated lumber. I believe that use of that treated lumber would be very corrosive to the steel in our beds despite any paint you may use.

I hope this is helpful.
regards,
Steve
New Orleans

Good to know Steve. Might have to go with Redwood then. A little soft, but will never rot.
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