I must have way too much time on my hands! Zig should be asking this question, not me. GM did some major styling changes from 53 to 54, especially to the bed of the pickup. The bed became deeper, the bed rails changed from 45 degrees to perpendicular to the bed sides, etc. My question is: was this just a cosmetic change or did they modify the frame to accommodate the newly designed bed? My reason for asking is that Zig has said that he's putting a 52 cab on a 54 frame. Does this mean that he'll have to put a 54 bed on it or can he put his 52 bed on a 54 frame? I don't mean to give Zig a "cardiac" episode over this, but better now than several months down the road, when it's too late to turn back. Me? i'm putting a 50 bed on a '50 frame. But Zig? I love you,man, and mom would want me to ask this!
Hey Ken I know for sure that it will work. Out here where we actually have rust, these guys will do just about anything to their trucks, including a 54 bed on a 48-53 truck. I have seen several and it looks like it's supposed to be on there. But when you're doing things like 54 beds on an earlier truck then they are usually a custom truck. When you get into custom trucks your saying to live by should be if it doesn't fit then cut and weld until it does. Atleast thats what I'm doing with mine, Make It Work!!!
Thanks Ken, but I already played this one out. Before I found this site, I found "Patrick's Trucks". He seems like a Nate. He's all about original, and if I was retired and only needed to putt to the grocery store, mine would be singing vintage all the way there and back. BUT, since I am a spry 46 year old who teaches but can't spell, I need something that will handle my demands. Pat said putting a 52 bed on a 54 frame could be done with a bit of cre-a-tivity. The difference is in the rolled pan thingies that connect the running board to the bed sides. 54's aren't as tall I believe. I have the old bed braces still on the 54 frame, and of course I have what's left on my 52. I plan on pulling some measurements before I remove anything to see what's what. It really doesn't matter ifin' I have to use a 54 bed. I like the flatness of the rails allright. When I had my '64, one of the first things I did was put my carpentry skills to use and built a wood bed cover. Luan and plywood grid crossbracing that made things smooth and strong enough to stand on. I hinged it to the front of the bed and locked it into the bed sides with barrel bolts. I did this when I lived in Kentucky. I had just finished it and was somewhere in a parking lot when this buisness looking guy came up and said, "Hey, that's really cool!" I told him about it, and he seemed really jacked. At thte time, all you had to cover your bed was a tauntoe (SP ) cover. Less than a year later, These familiar looking GLASS bed covers started popping up. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Short story long- I am open for anything EXCEPT "Southern" on the front of my hood!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Modification Yep, it will work with minor modification. My moto is "cut to fit, paint to match" Most of the changes were cosmetic, size, length (very little) and height. Other than that they were very simular in mount. My grandad often said "ifin it don't fit..... get a bigger hammer" Works, sometimes TB'sD
and if it's loose, try sky hooks and some flight line! Hey Boop's dad, seenin' as though you're also a man of the cloth- I hope you had a good day!
Good Day Hey thanks, It was a great day. I do think though it would be much better if these people had, as I often tell them "a good preacher". But they are patient and loving, what more could I ask. Thanks for the words. TB'sD
I see I'm coming in late here . yes ,the frame changed in 1954 but it's a simple truck and so is do-able . I think many could use a ' good Man Of The Cloth ' but they're mighty hard to find these days , I ran afoul of many a pedophile preacher in my youth so I'm leery . One childhood buddy of mine went down the whole bad road including homosexualtity , thief , liar , adulterer and more , I stood by him the whole time as he was always good to me but when he was " saved " and became a minister , suddenly I'm too much " of the world " and he no longer talks to me.... It's a rough world we live in folks .
Bad Road Yeh V-nate, there are some out there that make it so difficult for those who put effort into living up to a Godly standard have a tough hill to climb. I too know those who "call" themselves preachers or pastors that have no business doing so. None of you actually know me, so it's just my word. BUT, I put tremendous effort into dealing kindly with all, and I mean ALL people. Even those who dont think they want it. You would not believe the people who are shocked when I deal with them as an officer and treat them as I would like to be treated.... Were it not for God's grace and forgiveness, it would be me in there shoes. ... and if I don't keep that in mind, it could be me someday if it becomes beyond me to help others. Second subject... If my Lord could love someone as unlovable as me, who am I to think myself above loving or at least being kind to all others. BTW it was those "unlovable" that he came and died for. OOPS, A CARRYOVER FROM SUNDAY!
It's tough being a teacher and not being able to say some things. I just try to drive home this simple point. Do your best. Always. (that way we might hit 50% good) (There's only one that we can't fool.) Amen
Hey Zig, glad to see you haven't frozen your patooties off! I sure am glad that i don't have to fight those Midwest winters anymore! I'll take hurricanes in the summer over blizzards in the winter anyday!
yup- and it was I who bragged about the great weather just 3 days ago? That's how it works here. Each day is "who knows". At least the snow's melted off my frame. Now I can stand out there and think, "If it was only warmer, I could..." How much for that house down the street from ya?
Nothing a few hand warmers in your gloves and boots can't fix, Zig. Go and play with your truck, I just wish mine was closer.
ANOTHER Old Saying ! I know you guys all love these old chesnuts so much , mine are a little bit different but here goes : Doing the right thing is sort of like pi$$ing your pants whilst wearing a dark suit : it gives you a warm feeling but nobody else notices.....
But Seriously Folks : Kids are the future so be nice to them and try to impart a posative attitude when working with them .
Yuck, yuck, yuck! So THAT'S what they meant by "child-proofing" a house! One snow- 6 days later, it's back to school! The roads are still "iffy".
