Hat sections for bed attachment

[SideStepT2020]

I need the hat sections that are used to attach the wooden bed to the frame. Its an 81 frame but the bed/box are from a 70s stepside. has anyone ever made there own? I have access to a full sheet metal shop. I have looked online and there was nothing in stock anywhere and i figure they may need to be custom anyways.

 

[Dave M]

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Is that them, the cross sills?

 

[SDJunkMan]

http://www.mar-k.com/
Not sure which pieces you are reffering to, but these guys carry a lot of stepside parts.

 

[SideStepT2020]

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Is that them, the cross sills?

I believe so! I am not sure if the will match up with my frame though. Any idea if the standard shortbox frame and the stepside frame are the same?

 

[Dave M]

They mention they're for '73 to'87 so l assume if your bed and frame are both within this period, then they would fit. Perhaps someone else will jump in with the answer for you.

 

[fast68chevy]

frames the main dimenions/widths etc are all same 73-87/91 and step box is same 1947 to 1987. the fender tubs changed, but not the main actual box. for 40 years.

 

[SideStepT2020]

Does anyone have some cross sills that they could provide some measurements from?
I can make the hat section on the break if I have the dimensions.

 

[DanMcG]

Does anyone have some cross sills that they could provide some measurements from?
I can make the hat section on the break if I have the dimensions.

I could measure one up for ya,

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[SideStepT2020]

I could measure one up for ya if you're still looking.

That would be great!

 

[DanMcG]

That would be great!

just added to the post above, I'll check the material thickness in a minute

I measure anywhere between 0.093- 0.098 ...its got some surface rust so maybe it 13 gage (0.090) but might be easier to get 12 gage (0.105)

 

[SideStepT2020]

just added to the post above, I'll check the material thickness in a minute

I measure anywhere between 0.093- 0.098 ...its got some surface rust so maybe it 13 gage (0.090) but might be easier to get 12 gage (0.105)

Thats great! Thanks for the measurements!

Could you also give me the overall length?

 

[DanMcG]

49 7/16" overall.
If there's anything else ya need just let me know.

 

[DanMcG]

I forgot to mention there's a 14 gage (0.075) plate where the rail contacts the frame. I'm thinking it's mainly to prevent the hat channel from splaying out.

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[SideStepT2020]

Awesome! Thanks Dan! I will post some pictures when they are finished

 

[Sprockmonster]

I forgot to mention there's a 14 gage (0.075) plate where the rail contacts the frame. I'm thinking it's mainly to prevent the hat channel from splaying out.

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I realize this is an old thread but a few of the supports I scrounged up for my bed rebuild had a piece of rolled sheet metal as a spacer tacked inside the channel to support it. Without them I foresee the support buckling when torqued down.

I cut and tacked in some black pipe to replace the ones that were missing.