8' bed question

[idrivea2002golf]

I'm going to ask a stupid question about the bed length. In my defense I've been trying to search information but I don't think I have the correct search terms.

I have a 1981 C20 3+3 with the 8' bed. It's in a sorry state and I'm thinking about replacing it. I also have a bed off a 1977 K20. So far everything I'm reading is that these are a direct swap except for maybe the tailgate (i'll worry about that later). The K20 is a Trailering Special 10,000 GCW coded truck. I know GM did Trailering and Camper special trucks. When I measure the two beds there's about a 6" difference between the two. At the moment it looks like the bed will still fit on the 81, but overhang the rear a bit. I believe the K20 has the deluxe camper speacial RPO because the slightly longer bed has the slide-in camper tie down points.

My question is, what's the answer to the question of life?

Kidding, what is the difference (other than length) between the two beds? Why did GM make the K20 an extra 6"? I read it's for slide-in campers but I've only found that mentioned on one post on one forum and no additional comments. The GM heritage documents don't mention a different bed length and even LMC truck doesn't show the 8.5' bed as an option. The biggest question is the rear bumper though. I haven't measured the cab to bumper length to see if it'll work. I will do probably this weekend, that said, what does the K20 rear bumper look like (mounting brackets specifically) since the bed is a bit longer? I don't have the bumper on my donor vehicle to measure the differences.

All the above is probably moot as I'm mulling around a roll pan but the curiousity is still there.

 

[DoubleDingo]

If the bolt pattern is the same to mount it to the frame, it should be a direct swap, unless i am missing something

 

[nvrenuf]

As state, they should interchange.

there are only 2 size beds, 6' and 8', anything else is likely custom or aftermarket conversion.

 

[Frankenchevy]

I have never heard of an 8’6” bed on a square. Ford did some interesting stuff with the bed lengths as well as axle placement.

 

[TotalyHucked]

There are no factory beds that are anything other than 6.5' or 8'. Got any pictures?

 

[SquareRoot]

If the bolt pattern is the same to mount it to the frame, it should be a direct swap, unless i am missing something

About 6 inches

 

[Strick]

I've seen the "9" foot beds on the 72 and previous trucks but not on the Square trucks. It must be custom or be a C&C truck. The beds should interchange because neither truck configuration offered 6.5 beds.
How about measuring again & provide some photos.

HS

 

[idrivea2002golf]

You guys are right. I didn't look close enough at the two beds. Turns out the PO on my 81 installed some diamond plate thing at the front of the bed and it's removed about 2" from the length. They're both 8' beds although the floor measures 99".

Diamond plate non-sense in question:

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When I measure from the rails:

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[idrivea2002golf]

Still confused why my Trailering Special cab has a Camper Special bed on it though. Only assume it was swapped. Somehow I managed a 77 with the fuel doors and the camper tie downs.

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[Frankenchevy]

Still confused why my Trailering Special cab has a Camper Special bed on it though. Only assume it was swapped. Somehow I managed a 77 with the fuel doors and the camper tie downs.

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They look the same to me. I was looking at the back side of the stake pocket and they both look like 97.75” or thereabouts. The green bed is definitely newer with a fuel door.

 

[Keith Seymore]

(Disregard)

K

 

[DoubleDingo]

About 6 inches

The bolt patterns should be the same, no?

 

[Strick]

If all the ice wasn't covering everything then I'd check the pattern. Seems the front four bolts differ 73-80 & 81-91. Tailgate latches & pocket hardware differ too. They will work with some tweaking though.

HS

 

[SquareRoot]

No idea. Until a few months ago I didn't know that longbeds and CC beds were different. @Gritdog set me straight.

 

[nvrenuf]

@idrivea2002golf I've been for one of those full diamond plate tailgate covers. If you budget that bed and we can figure out how to get it to Alabama I’m interested.