Does anyone know the dimensions for the wood in a 1965 1/2 ton fleetside? The dimensions I am needing are where to locate the offset washers for the bed to frame bolts, and what size boards to use. I currently have no wood in the bed and have no way to measure these dimensions easily. I would appreciate the help.
Mine had 3/4" stock originally, I don't know about the length of the boards you'll need, but if you measure the center to center dimension between the bolt holes across the bed and subtract 1/4" for the bolt shaft you'll be pretty good for width. I just put new wood in the back of my stepside last weekend and I hid the bed mount bolts underneath. It isn't original but it does clean up the installation and is actually easier than trying to locate and precisely bore the holes over a blind location. It also means fewer places for water to sit, and cause damage, if your bed gets rained on. What I did was install the lumber and strips, starting from the center, and when I got to the boards over the bolts I simply set them in place and stepped on them directly over the bolts. This will leave a small dent exactly where you want to bore your pocket. If your using hardwood and it won't dent, then put a dab of bright lipstick on the bolt head and it will leave a usable mark. Then I used a 2" forstner bit (it's a shallow cut wood boring tool just for this type of hole) to create the the pockets, drilling just deep enough to clear. A drill press works real well for this, but isn't necessary. Remember to re-finish the pockets or you'll invite rot. My truck isn't real pretty and I couldn't see investing hundreds in a new bed, so I used 1/4" thick polished treadplate for the strips with stainless carriage bolts and pine boards. If your interested,I did a write up on my "low cost wood bed" in another good forum at http://clubs.yahoo.com/clubs/classic60schevytrucks. With some pics. But you'll have to join the forum to see the pics. Good luck.
