Can anybody tell whats needed here for a wood bed?

[wpsharpshooter]

Starting to work on several things that need to be addressed with this old truck. I think I may have sold my dad on putting in a wood bed. It looks like someone put in a piece of aluminum. We are trying to figure out what we are going to need to buy for it. Anybody have an idea based off these terrible pictures?

[67C10Step]

If your cross sills are all in good shape all you need is a wood bed kit with strips. Here is who I went with and have been happy with it thus far:

https://www.mar-k.com/partList.aspx

They also sell the cross sills if you get into it and need those.

[wpsharpshooter]

Originally Posted by 67C10Step

If your cross sills are all in good shape all you need is a wood bed kit with strips. Here is who I went with and have been happy with it thus far:

https://www.mar-k.com/partList.aspx

They also sell the cross sills if you get into it and need those.

Based off everything I can see topside, al the metal looks to be in good shape. Or is that something I wont be able to see until I pull the metal floor out?

[Grumpy old man]

From the looks of the rust in the middle of the bed it's a steel plate they used , Until you pull it apart there's really no way to tell what you'll need ,

Mar-K has a sale right now . https://www.mar-k.com/

[wpsharpshooter]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

From the looks of the rust in the middle of the bed it's a steel plate they used , Until you pull it apart there's really no way to tell what you'll need ,

Mar-K has a sale right now . https://www.mar-k.com/

In person it looks like a piece of diamond plate.. Paint scratched off and you can see what looks like aluminum.. Im really hoping its not steel lol

['68OrangeSunshine]

Aluminum doesn't rust.

[wpsharpshooter]

Originally Posted by '68OrangeSunshine

Aluminum doesn't rust.

That rust in the bed is from a spare that had been laying in the bed for years. Underneath side of this metal is just grimy.. No rust.. It may be steel.. I'm just hoping it's not too heavy

['68OrangeSunshine]

Try a magnet.

[Getter-Done]

I second that try a Magnet.
I would say it is steel.
A Picture from underneath would help.
And we could answer your Question with a little more detail.

It is a short bed Right ?

[67C10Step]

Don't try to do prescription without diagnosis. As Grumpy said, you are really going to have to take that metal tread plate out and see what you got underneath. You can get some photos from the bottom but that won't tell you what condition the cross sills are in where they contact that plate. They might be shot and you don't know it. Even if you need all three with the small stiffener you are only talking $150 or less for those. See image for reference on locations.

[wpsharpshooter]

Originally Posted by Getter-Done

I second that try a Magnet.
I would say it is steel.
A Picture from underneath would help.
And we could answer your Question with a little more detail.

It is a short bed Right ?

Yes. It is a short bed.. Will try to get more pics soon.

[un4gvn!]

If you are going to use Mar-K wood bed kit, DO NOT order the yellow pine. I installed mine this past summer (July) and three boards are splitting. I used the yellow pine because this truck will be used as a truck. I haven't even hauled any thing yet. Every thing else I bought from them, I had no trouble with.

[pjmoreland]

I bought a yellow pine bed kit from Mar-K 10 months ago, and I haven't had any splitting yet. I painted mine black, and I park my truck in a garage.

[67C10Step]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

I bought a yellow pine bed kit from Mar-K 10 months ago, and I haven't had any splitting yet. I painted mine black, and I park my truck in a garage.

I purchased mine (pine as well) about a year ago now. Left it unfinished for a few months and then stained/finished it in late July last year. No splitting issues either but my truck is parked indoors as well.

[un4gvn!]

Mine is out side and it was stained and sealed with linseed oil before it was installed. I also waited 8 months to get it. I purchase a lot of stuff from Mar-k. This was the only issue.

[jocko]

How long has it been since you installed it? Any pics? Would be interested to see how it's weathered. Linseed oil is a good sealant - and looks nice too, but it requires re-application. Most recommendations I've seen indicate approximately 6 month intervals for outdoor applications (I'm way too forgetful for that frequent of an interval, I'll paint my bed wood body color when the time comes, that way I can keep it touched up with a brush if necessary. Not as pretty as some of the stained beds, but works for me). Sorry to hear yours is splitting, that's got to be frustrating.

[Getter-Done]

Originally Posted by wpsharpshooter

Yes. It is a short bed.. Will try to get more pics soon.

I have some used [ Long bed ] Cross braces.

So, there are differences in the used ones I have

I don't remember what condition they are.

If we are close (Here in Tn)
We can meet somewhere in between and I'll give them to you,
If they will help you.

Just a Suggestion, make sure you mark the location of Your current rails,
Front to back and left side / right side with arrows and numbers.
That way if you purchase New ones or use other ones,
You will know how yours were,
And have something to go by.

What is your budget?
If you are going to spend the money on new Wood.
I would suggest new rails.

[wpsharpshooter]

Getting ready to pull the bed floor out of the truck this weekend (hopefully) any specific way we need to do this? Or just start taking every bolt out we see?

[67C10Step]

Short answer is yes. The biggest ones will be holding the bed to the frame and the rest will hold the floor down. Be aware that given you have a one piece floor you may have to lift the bed some to get it out from under the angle strips on the side of the bed. At that point your bed will be completely loose from the cross strips and frame. But it will give you a chance for a really good inspection of everything.

[wpsharpshooter]

Originally Posted by 67C10Step

Short answer is yes. The biggest ones will be holding the bed to the frame and the rest will hold the floor down. Be aware that given you have a one piece floor you may have to lift the bed some to get it out from under the angle strips on the side of the bed. At that point your bed will be completely loose from the cross strips and frame. But it will give you a chance for a really good inspection of everything.

We are replacing axles, springs and putting in shock re-locators.. So hoping to get a good view of everything to clean it up.. But will eventually be taking it to the body shop to have the inside of the bed painted and touched up.

[CC69Rat]

What part of TN are you from?

[wpsharpshooter]

I'm in West TN