Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

sweatmachine · 05-31-2008, 06:43 AM

I just got this truck:

looks ok huh?

Well, a tree fell on the right side:

Let me start by saying I've never done ANY bodywork, but I do know how to weld and I have access to a MIG welder and if need be a TIG setup. Am I better off buying a better bed, replacing the bed side, or getting a patch panel? Thoughts?

Thanks!

streetstar · 05-31-2008, 06:56 AM

either the bed side or a new bed -- whatever you can find the cheapest

Its a long bed and the filler side, so hopefully it won't be too hrd to find a bedside.

Thats from a 78 - down bed i think because '79 or '80 up had the square fuel filler door--- good luck

Long beds get beat up because they are used as work trucks --- it can either be a pain to find a clean one, or you could find one in a day -- hard to say

andresco50 · 05-31-2008, 07:00 AM

For best results a new bed but maybe you can buy a new side from classicparts or lmc

babyJay · 05-31-2008, 02:23 PM

Holy smokes, that's bent.

Doesn't look like a patch panel's gonna help.

84 400 · 05-31-2008, 04:56 PM

Its a long bed so a decent bed would be pretty easy to find or at least around here. I would go that root and make the best out of the two. I am not sure what beds go for in TX but I would guess it is cheaper then a bed side.

Welcome to the boards from New Hampshire

here are a few i found in a quick search.

Go figure a short bed is pretty cheap. If you where thinking of a SWB conversion course that is alotta work
http://austin.craigslist.org/pts/672132996.html

sweatmachine · 05-31-2008, 05:16 PM

a guy I work with says he has a bed from an '82 that is in good shape. What is a fair price for a bed?

Also, I'm sure the fuel filler is different, how difficult is it to make another setup work? Like what if the filler is on the opposite side?

69BBsuburban · 05-31-2008, 06:23 PM

Got an engine hoist and some body hammers???? I'd try straightening it first....then if I wasn't satisfied, I'd go with a new bedside.

sweatmachine · 05-31-2008, 06:38 PM

that's what my uncle suggested, I'll try that first. I don't really have much to lose!

**old Rusty C10** · 06-01-2008, 02:51 AM

put a couple of 4X4 pieces of wood in the bed and use an old bumper jack some heat and some hammers call it good.. unless youre going to restore the truck totally thats all id do to it and if you restore it there looks to be a decent amount of rust so id do the new bed you can use a newed bed just gotta use the same gas tank fillers as the bed the tank should interchange

COMP · 06-01-2008, 04:55 AM

add pics of the work here

05-31-2008, 06:43 AM	#1
sweatmachine Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 68	Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? I just got this truck: looks ok huh? Well, a tree fell on the right side: Let me start by saying I've never done ANY bodywork, but I do know how to weld and I have access to a MIG welder and if need be a TIG setup. Am I better off buying a better bed, replacing the bed side, or getting a patch panel? Thoughts? Thanks!

05-31-2008, 06:56 AM	#2
streetstar Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: Moore, Oklahoma Posts: 2,396	Re: Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? either the bed side or a new bed -- whatever you can find the cheapest Its a long bed and the filler side, so hopefully it won't be too hrd to find a bedside. Thats from a 78 - down bed i think because '79 or '80 up had the square fuel filler door--- good luck Long beds get beat up because they are used as work trucks --- it can either be a pain to find a clean one, or you could find one in a day -- hard to say __________________ Are you retired too? Nonsense! I'm in my prime

05-31-2008, 07:00 AM	#3
andresco50 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lakeworth, Fl Posts: 633	Re: Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? For best results a new bed but maybe you can buy a new side from classicparts or lmc __________________ 2001 silverado 2wd 2003 silverado 4wd 1975 scottsdale c10 (project)

05-31-2008, 02:23 PM	#4
babyJay Arrived on a Pale Horse Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: SnagTown Indiana Posts: 2,524	Re: Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? Holy smokes, that's bent. Doesn't look like a patch panel's gonna help. __________________ Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW

05-31-2008, 04:56 PM	#5
84 400 Sb 400 club Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NH / MA Posts: 2,746	Re: Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? Its a long bed so a decent bed would be pretty easy to find or at least around here. I would go that root and make the best out of the two. I am not sure what beds go for in TX but I would guess it is cheaper then a bed side. Welcome to the boards from New Hampshire here are a few i found in a quick search. Go figure a short bed is pretty cheap. If you where thinking of a SWB conversion course that is alotta work http://austin.craigslist.org/pts/672132996.html __________________ 1984 chevy c10, built 400sb,.(SOLD) 77 K10 Project / daily driver "The Grinch" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=318363 1956 Willys Wagon (327 chevy) Project (Now Buick 225) 1980 Corvette L-48 4 speed 1992 Mustang GT built 5.0 5 speed 1985 C10 LWB Sold 1982 K10 SWB plow truck Parted out 1986 D30 M1028 fire brush truck Parted out Last edited by 84 400; 05-31-2008 at 05:29 PM.

05-31-2008, 05:16 PM	#6
sweatmachine Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 68	Re: Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? a guy I work with says he has a bed from an '82 that is in good shape. What is a fair price for a bed? Also, I'm sure the fuel filler is different, how difficult is it to make another setup work? Like what if the filler is on the opposite side?

05-31-2008, 06:23 PM	#7
69BBsuburban Right in front of you. Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Roy, Wa Posts: 584	Re: Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? Got an engine hoist and some body hammers???? I'd try straightening it first....then if I wasn't satisfied, I'd go with a new bedside. __________________ Pinstriping by Josh '78 Chevy Silverado SWB (lowered, 454) '90 Chevy Sport Truck '68 Dodge Charger R/T 1930 Ford Model A

05-31-2008, 06:38 PM	#8
sweatmachine Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 68	Re: Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? that's what my uncle suggested, I'll try that first. I don't really have much to lose!

06-01-2008, 02:51 AM	#9
old Rusty C10 Robert Olson Transport Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: recent transplant to NC USA Posts: 20,326	Re: Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? put a couple of 4X4 pieces of wood in the bed and use an old bumper jack some heat and some hammers call it good.. unless youre going to restore the truck totally thats all id do to it and if you restore it there looks to be a decent amount of rust so id do the new bed you can use a newed bed just gotta use the same gas tank fillers as the bed the tank should interchange __________________ Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!!

06-01-2008, 04:55 AM	#10
COMP Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Eville IN. Posts: 365	Re: Bodywork question: replace bed? replace bed side? or patch panel? add pics of the work here



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