Is this conversion idea worth it?

[RuralRoute C-30]

Last November I bought this 79 C-30 with a welder bed.


Recently I saw this flatbed on CL for $250. A former dump bed taken directly off a '79' C-30 (now gone to junk yard), but no hydraulics now, so essentially it would be a fixed flatbed.
http://springfieldil.craigslist.org/grd/1673934603.html

This 79 is a strong runner, bought with new tires, exhaust, etc., so it makes sense to me this flatbed on CL would be an added improvement over the welder bed. Cab has the typical cab corner & rocker rust but repairable and the interior is decent/not trashed/not perfect.

Any opinions? Seems the flatbed is a decent price. Any problems to consider putting a 10' bed on what I consider a short wheel-base?

Hate to see the 79 sit around and probably will sell it soon as I don't need two C-30's. Figure the CL bed would at least add more to the truck's value as a working truck than the welder bed it has.

Opinions? Problems in this conversion to consider?

Thanks,
Mark

[Restrorob]

Mark,

Just wondering why you call it a welder bed ?

I like the looks of the all steel bed on it now, It just looks nicer. If anything paint the boxes to match or take them off completely.....

[RuralRoute C-30]

Thanks, but the lack of stake pockets limits its use for any sides to be added for hauling purposes. Here in the midwest such a bed tends to support welding units vs hauling purposes.

Darn bed is built like a tank though. A former municipality truck, once yellow, now red. My plan is to eliminate those toolboxes soon. Even I will like it better once they are off!

Mark

[manimal]

Put some stake pockets in the bed you already have.
-Lance

[Restrorob]

^^^^^^ First thing came to my mind, I'd rather throw some pockets in than replace the whole bed with a wood one....