Opinions: Newer bed on older truck...

[SlickGTP]

Thinking about swapping over to an '86 bed on my '73... It would sure as hell fix my rust issues and make it a bit easier to fill the tank. My only hesitation is that even though my bed has a bunch of pitting from the rust and I'd have to patch over the wheel wells, it's a solid and straight bed.

What do y'all think?

 

[HotRodPC]

It's a direct swap. Differences being, you'll have gas tank fillers doors. I like those better than a gas cap hanging out of the side of the bed. If you get the 86 bed for a good price and it's in good shape, for sure, I'd be doing it. I see nothing to gain by keeping the OE 73 bed if it's rusted up pretty good and needs plenty of work.

 

[Old77]

It's a direct swap. Differences being, you'll have gas tank fillers doors. I like those better than a gas cap hanging out of the side of the bed. If you get the 86 bed for a good price and it's in good shape, for sure, I'd be doing it. I see nothing to gain by keeping the OE 73 bed if it's rusted up pretty good and needs plenty of work.

^^this....on my '77 I did exactly what you're contemplating SlickGTP. My bed is actually off a mid 80's truck and it was 100% rust free with just a few minor dents to be fixed. It's a direct bolt on. So if it's in better shape than you have now then do it

 

[SlickGTP]

Cool... I was thinking along those lines. Just needed a little affirmation on the thought process. The existing bed I have a feeling will need at least $150-200 worth of work. So, if I can pick this other one up at a good price I'll probably jump on it.

Thanks guys!

 

[J Knight]

I would swap no problem, just use the 73-80 tailgate. It would look way better imo.

 

[Boondock]

The newer beds also don't have the same flares as the older ones.. So it may look off a bit.

 

[Stroked]

The newer beds also don't have the same flares as the older ones.. So it may look off a bit.

Oh? Guess I've never noticed that. I'm actually planning on putting a 73-80 bed on my '84 for the time being until I can track down a good 81-87 bed.

 

[RetroC10Sport]

I would swap no problem, just use the 73-80 tailgate. It would look way better imo.

I don't think it will work. I think the latches are different or something. I know FoamyPirate tried an older tailgate on his bed and it wouldn't fit.

 

[Old77]

I don't think it will work. I think the latches are different or something. I know FoamyPirate tried an older tailgate on his bed and it wouldn't fit.

Mine is a mid 80's bed and i have the 73-80 tailgate

 

[Old77]

The newer beds also don't have the same flares as the older ones.. So it may look off a bit.

which flares are you referring to?

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Mine is a mid 80's bed and i have the 73-80 tailgate

Interesting......

 

[Old77]

Indeed


I just wanted to shrug again

 

[Stroked]

I was thinking something was different between the two as well.

But I will add that I'm sure I've seen an 81-87 tailgate on a 73-80 box...

 

[RetroC10Sport]

Indeed


I just wanted to shrug again

Our friendly neighborhood shruggist.

 

[J Knight]

I don't think it will work. I think the latches are different or something. I know FoamyPirate tried an older tailgate on his bed and it wouldn't fit.

73-80 tailgates had 2 designs, 73-76 and 77-80. 77-80 will fit with no mods but you do need the larger 73-80 trunions installed on the 81-87 bed for a perfect fit.

which flares are you referring to?

X2?!?