Advice needed on bed repair/replacement

[nick5446]

I finally pulled the trigger on a '64 crew cab power wagon after months of searching. It needs some work, so I'm sure I'll be posting a bunch looking for advice, but the thing I'm looking for guidance on today is the bed.

The truck is in Montana and getting delivered to me hopefully next week, so I haven't seen it in person, but I have seen dozens of good photos. The bed is in fair shape, but the floor is really wavy and there is no tailgate. In my search for a tailgate, I found a decent bed and tailgate for less money than I've seen most tailgates selling for. As a bonus, it's relatively close to me (a mere 6 hour drive each way!). The "new" bed has a new small rust holes in the floor, which I was thinking I could patch using the "old" bed.

I guess my question is, what would you do? Swap beds and do some minor patch work on the new bed, or try to save the bed that's on the truck currently? I know the right thing to do is to wait and see the truck I bought in person, but the bed I'm looking at is on eBay, which adds a sense of urgency to the matter. The color difference doesn't bother me.

Also, I'm not building the truck to be restored or perfect. Dents and scratches add character, and I'll continue to use the truck as it was intended.

Couple pictures of my bed attached. Here's the one I'm considering buying: https://www.ebay.com/itm/303224208924?ul_noapp=true

[nick5446]

Here's another bed picture.

[Jims68]

I suppose it's how much you're willing to do to keep the original bed.... There are companies that make floors for "Chevy" pickups... Just google search it, but in the meantime, check these out:

https://www.carid.com/auto-metal-direct ... gIkivD_BwE

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/kpt- ... gJbhfD_BwE

[johnah]

That bed on ebay looks like a no brain er to me.
Until then swept on, John

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Is the bed on ebay the same length as the bed on your truck? If so, its for sure a no brainer. Either way, u need a tailgate and u won't beat $350 for it alone. The tailgate needs work at the pivot points but that's simple. The bed on your truck is a beat POS that would require massive repair work.

[Jims68]

Looking "closer" at the images of your bed and the bed on Ebay (which I neglected to do earlier)... I would also recommend the one on Ebay. AS LONG AS THEY ARE THE SAME SIZE BEDS. (Not hollering... just 'emphasis') Besides, you live in MA and the bed is in NJ and it is not that far away to travel... just a few hours!

[nick5446]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I think you’ve confirmed my suspicions, it just helps to talk it out sometimes.

As for length, they’re both 6’ beds. There’s not some tiny differences I’m not aware of, right? Mine is a ‘64 and the eBay one claims to be an early ‘65. Should be identical, right?

[PwrWgnDrvr]

Yes, all beds the same 61-65

[jeffc57]

65 up should be a duel wall bed, maybe some over lap on some beds single wall to 2 wall in 65, 65 was a change year, round tailights beds are all same. chev and ford beds will are shorter than dodge so bed pan will come up short. that eday bed is a no brainer

[Hobcobble]

I'm pretty sure that the bed on Ebay is for a 122" wheelbase D100.
I bought some parts from Mike and met up with him in Philly. The bed is
in pretty decent shape. You can contact Mike through Ebay or try him
through the PM feature here.

John

[soopernaut]

The bed on ebay looks like a long bed, which is not the same length as your current bed. Did you confirm with the seller what length it is? It may belong to a member here who was building a truck in the high school shop he worked at, then abandoned the project.

[nick5446]

Thanks. Almost certain he said it was a 6’, but I’ll confirm again before pulling the trigger.

[nick5446]

Well I’m an idiot, it’s a long bed. Back to plan A. Thanks all!

[PwrWgnDrvr]

There are 4 crossmembers on the ebay bed. Your truck has 3 in different locations. Ebay bed definitely looks longer. But $350 for a tailgate is about right. (plus 12 hrs of gas to go get it)

[Jims68]

Well I’m an idiot, it’s a long bed. Back to plan A. Thanks all!

OR... there is always PLAN R

[Hobcobble]

Well I’m an idiot, it’s a long bed. Back to plan A. Thanks all!

OR... there is always PLAN R

Don't forget Plan Nine .....

John

[Red383]

I'd still consider the Ebay bed if it was fairly close to you. Even though it needs work, you would get the tailgate, and the rear corners are nicer than yours and the rear cross member is nicer. I'd use it for parts.

just my