fiberglass beds/bedsides - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

trailwart · 03-10-2003, 09:53 AM

just wondering if anybody has used them or knows anybody that has. The price seems kind of steep, but if it will never rust it seems worth it. just hanin a problem finding nice longbox bedsides and just wondering if anyone has had experiance with fiberglass sides.

kxmotox247 · 03-10-2003, 10:06 AM

I never even knew they existed. Where did you find those at?

trailwart · 03-10-2003, 03:23 PM

found them at usbody.com
they have complete cab shells and complete bedsand bedsides.
they claim there as strong as original steel.claim they carry same payload

kxmotox247 · 03-10-2003, 03:56 PM

Very interesting....
No, I never knew that this stuff existed. I would love to see it in person, or find someone who has used it.
I would worry a little about the cab and fit. Although a glass cab might have advantages. I work with fiberglass a lot better than steel.
A complete bed is interesting.
I hope someone responds to this thread who has seen this stuff before.

Long Knight · 03-10-2003, 06:13 PM

Had a guy come into the farm and ranch supply store one day and he had a brand new Chevy with a 100% composite bed. Even the tailgate was plastic. He said he paid a little extra for it, but the dealer told him that within the next 10 years you will have to pay extra for a metal bed. It was strange because in order to get the strength they apparently use a honeycomb design, and it is so thick that the wheel wells are only about 1" wide. I think it's a good idea. Hope this means replacement parts will be cheaper.

Long Knight · 03-10-2003, 06:15 PM

By the way, we loaded they guy down with just under 4200 lbs, didn't make a dent (ha ha ha).

weasel29gm · 03-10-2003, 10:53 PM

I might be wrong but I think there is a differnace in fiberglass and composite. I question haulin' in a fiberglass bed?

kxmotox247 · 03-11-2003, 10:40 AM

I would imagine that if they use good composite mat or core mat (I can't remember the exact name) that the bed would hold just as much as a steel or wood one. As long as the fiberglass bed is fully supported just like a steel one, I would think it would be fine.
I wonder what the weight difference between the two is?

trailwart · 03-11-2003, 11:42 AM

not sure the differnce in weight. but they have complete door shells stepside beds fleetside beds and cabs and complete tilt front ends.

www.usbody.com

special70gmc · 03-11-2003, 12:07 PM

they have the big cowl in duction hoods up to 5'' cowl i think.

smokekiki · 03-11-2003, 12:25 PM

I have 2 harley side cars,1 steel, 1 fiberglass.Both are the ULH style.The fiberglass was made special for the RCP.It is even marked Royal Canadian Police.The steel weighs 18 pounds less than the glass.The floor of the steel is 18ga.,the floor of the glass is .75inch thick to handle the weight of passengers.

Project1970 · 03-11-2003, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Long Knight
Had a guy come into the farm and ranch supply store one day and he had a brand new Chevy with a 100% composite bed. Even the tailgate was plastic. He said he paid a little extra for it, but the dealer told him that within the next 10 years you will have to pay extra for a metal bed. It was strange because in order to get the strength they apparently use a honeycomb design, and it is so thick that the wheel wells are only about 1" wide. I think it's a good idea. Hope this means replacement parts will be cheaper.

Isn't that the Chevy Avalanche? I thought the bedsides were thick because they actually put storage spaces inside of them...

Long Knight · 03-11-2003, 02:57 PM

Not an avalanche. LWB 3/4 ton pick-up, 4WD.

Project1970 · 03-11-2003, 03:15 PM

Nifty...did it have the storage in the bedsides or was it just plain thick?

Sounds cool to me...plastic is a great material for beds, IMO...instant bedliner!

Tynee · 03-11-2003, 05:48 PM

And for only $6000 you can be the proud owner of a new cab that still "requires professional instalation." I wonder what it would cost to get a fiberglass cab shell fitted with a dash, the headliner that is included in the purchase price, but is not yet installed, and all of the other neccessities for making the cab sit on the frame. I'm not good buddies with any fiberglass men, are you?

jeffbo · 03-11-2003, 06:09 PM

An easy way to tell if a new chevy truck has a composite bed is by the lettering on it. If "chevrolet" is embossed in the tailgate, it's a composite bed. The steel beds still use either an emblem or a decal.

Long Knight · 03-11-2003, 06:17 PM

jeffbo is right. Also, to answer your question Project1970, there was no storage. The honeycomb, or whatever re-enforcement they use, is just that thick. I figure as long as I can slide a 4x8 sheet in there it's ok.

Project1970 · 03-11-2003, 08:23 PM

Sounds crazy, but very cool...and it makes sense, though the only downside is you're getting more or less stepside space with fleetside looks. Not that I'd mind; I prefer the look of a fleet, and yet at the same time, I don't find those extra spaces around the wheels that a fleet gives you all that useful.

Xzavior240 · 03-11-2003, 10:13 PM

Im not sure on the beds for the trucks. but I have had a chance to talk to a friend back home that had the fiberglass front clip on a 60's model F*rd . ( I know Im going to hear it for the F wordbut..) any way I looked at it first hand as far as construction. it was just as durable as the regular steel front clips because of the bracing they put into it and such. plus when he wanted to mess with the engine he just tilted the whole front end forward it was so cool Sh*t. I love the idea of being able to get the entire front end out of the way. but theres a draw back to fiberglass. one thing these old trucks are known for is that fact that if you hit a new car it gets totalled where as we rebuff the paint and its fine. if we switch the metal for fiberglass there goes that fact that the truck is hard to destroy in the case of an accident. basically its like doing 70 down the interstate in a speed boat. if youre making a show truck the fiberglass would be great as well as racing purposes because of the weight and what not.for a daily driver Id stick with steel.

kxmotox247 · 03-12-2003, 09:27 AM

TTT

Interesting topic...I like fiberglass stuff and I'm hoping someone has a picture of a finished glass bed. Please post it if you do!

kxmotox247 · 03-12-2003, 09:34 AM

Here's an unfinished bed

kxmotox247 · 03-12-2003, 09:35 AM

And the cab

trailwart · 03-13-2003, 03:10 PM

thanx for all the input. would love to see pictures of a finished bed. if anybody has done this

03-10-2003, 09:53 AM	#1
trailwart Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: michigan Posts: 356	fiberglass beds/bedsides just wondering if anybody has used them or knows anybody that has. The price seems kind of steep, but if it will never rust it seems worth it. just hanin a problem finding nice longbox bedsides and just wondering if anyone has had experiance with fiberglass sides. __________________ 72 chevy 3\4 ton 4 speed 4x4 84 1\2 ton 4x4 (gone but not forgotten, thanks for the memories) 1999 suburban 4x4 1982 chevrolet S-10 V-8 (Thanks uncle EARL)

03-10-2003, 10:06 AM	#2
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	I never even knew they existed. Where did you find those at? __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

03-10-2003, 03:23 PM	#3
trailwart Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: michigan Posts: 356	found them at usbody.com they have complete cab shells and complete bedsand bedsides. they claim there as strong as original steel.claim they carry same payload __________________ 72 chevy 3\4 ton 4 speed 4x4 84 1\2 ton 4x4 (gone but not forgotten, thanks for the memories) 1999 suburban 4x4 1982 chevrolet S-10 V-8 (Thanks uncle EARL)

03-10-2003, 03:56 PM	#4
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	Very interesting.... No, I never knew that this stuff existed. I would love to see it in person, or find someone who has used it. I would worry a little about the cab and fit. Although a glass cab might have advantages. I work with fiberglass a lot better than steel. A complete bed is interesting. I hope someone responds to this thread who has seen this stuff before. __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

03-10-2003, 06:13 PM	#5
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Had a guy come into the farm and ranch supply store one day and he had a brand new Chevy with a 100% composite bed. Even the tailgate was plastic. He said he paid a little extra for it, but the dealer told him that within the next 10 years you will have to pay extra for a metal bed. It was strange because in order to get the strength they apparently use a honeycomb design, and it is so thick that the wheel wells are only about 1" wide. I think it's a good idea. Hope this means replacement parts will be cheaper. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

03-10-2003, 06:15 PM	#6
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	By the way, we loaded they guy down with just under 4200 lbs, didn't make a dent (ha ha ha). __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

03-10-2003, 10:53 PM	#7
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,091	I might be wrong but I think there is a differnace in fiberglass and composite. I question haulin' in a fiberglass bed? __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 35YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

03-11-2003, 10:40 AM	#8
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	I would imagine that if they use good composite mat or core mat (I can't remember the exact name) that the bed would hold just as much as a steel or wood one. As long as the fiberglass bed is fully supported just like a steel one, I would think it would be fine. I wonder what the weight difference between the two is? __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

03-11-2003, 11:42 AM	#9
trailwart Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: michigan Posts: 356	not sure the differnce in weight. but they have complete door shells stepside beds fleetside beds and cabs and complete tilt front ends. www.usbody.com __________________ 72 chevy 3\4 ton 4 speed 4x4 84 1\2 ton 4x4 (gone but not forgotten, thanks for the memories) 1999 suburban 4x4 1982 chevrolet S-10 V-8 (Thanks uncle EARL)

03-11-2003, 12:07 PM	#10
special70gmc Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: long island, new york Posts: 1,333	they have the big cowl in duction hoods up to 5'' cowl i think. __________________ 1986 c-10 swb 5/7 drop 20'' coys 1958 belair 2door

03-11-2003, 12:25 PM	#11
smokekiki Mike Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: west chester pa Posts: 2,474	I have 2 harley side cars,1 steel, 1 fiberglass.Both are the ULH style.The fiberglass was made special for the RCP.It is even marked Royal Canadian Police.The steel weighs 18 pounds less than the glass.The floor of the steel is 18ga.,the floor of the glass is .75inch thick to handle the weight of passengers. __________________ 70'c/10, 71 suburban4x4 402bb, 72suburban 4/6 drop, 72k/5 4x4 blazer 4" lift 35 tires

03-11-2003, 02:57 PM	#13
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Not an avalanche. LWB 3/4 ton pick-up, 4WD. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

03-11-2003, 03:15 PM	#14
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Nifty...did it have the storage in the bedsides or was it just plain thick? Sounds cool to me...plastic is a great material for beds, IMO...instant bedliner! __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

03-11-2003, 05:48 PM	#15
Tynee I miss this truck. Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Lexington, KY U.S.A. Posts: 2,863	And for only $6000 you can be the proud owner of a new cab that still "requires professional instalation." I wonder what it would cost to get a fiberglass cab shell fitted with a dash, the headliner that is included in the purchase price, but is not yet installed, and all of the other neccessities for making the cab sit on the frame. I'm not good buddies with any fiberglass men, are you? __________________ '07 GMC Acadia SLT. Sweet ride. '08 Crew Cab Z-71 short bed. Really like this truck A LOT.

03-11-2003, 06:09 PM	#16
jeffbo D.U.F. Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Huron/Brookings, SD Posts: 288	An easy way to tell if a new chevy truck has a composite bed is by the lettering on it. If "chevrolet" is embossed in the tailgate, it's a composite bed. The steel beds still use either an emblem or a decal. __________________ MEMBER OF THE DISCS UP FRONT CLUB '72 C-10 LWB Highlander, A/C, tilt TH350 w/ B&M shift kit, 327LJ bored .040", cast flattops, forged crank, L31 Vortecs, 9.25:1 CR, Comp conical valvesprings, Crane Energizer single pattern 216/.454", Professional Products Power Plus Crosswind intake, Edelbrock #1406 600cfm, HEI, dual exhaust, open 3.08 12bolt '68 C-10 4spd (not running) '79 C-10 LWB Mild 350 '80 Caprice Classic, 2-dr '97 GMC K-1500, SWB, Reg. Cab, Z-71, 5.7, Auto



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03-11-2003, 06:17 PM	#17
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	jeffbo is right. Also, to answer your question Project1970, there was no storage. The honeycomb, or whatever re-enforcement they use, is just that thick. I figure as long as I can slide a 4x8 sheet in there it's ok. __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

03-11-2003, 08:23 PM	#18
Project1970 14.1 @ 96MPH Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 2,811	Sounds crazy, but very cool...and it makes sense, though the only downside is you're getting more or less stepside space with fleetside looks. Not that I'd mind; I prefer the look of a fleet, and yet at the same time, I don't find those extra spaces around the wheels that a fleet gives you all that useful. __________________ Project1970 - LS1 Swap Complete!

03-11-2003, 10:13 PM	#19
Xzavior240 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: enterprise kansas Posts: 230	Im not sure on the beds for the trucks. but I have had a chance to talk to a friend back home that had the fiberglass front clip on a 60's model Frd . ( I know Im going to hear it for the F wordbut..) any way I looked at it first hand as far as construction. it was just as durable as the regular steel front clips because of the bracing they put into it and such. plus when he wanted to mess with the engine he just tilted the whole front end forward it was so cool Sht. I love the idea of being able to get the entire front end out of the way. but theres a draw back to fiberglass. one thing these old trucks are known for is that fact that if you hit a new car it gets totalled where as we rebuff the paint and its fine. if we switch the metal for fiberglass there goes that fact that the truck is hard to destroy in the case of an accident. basically its like doing 70 down the interstate in a speed boat. if youre making a show truck the fiberglass would be great as well as racing purposes because of the weight and what not.for a daily driver Id stick with steel. __________________ 71 chevy C10 LWB 2WD runs and everything 79 chevy 1/2 ton Big Ten silverado gonna part it out since it left me walking. 69 f100 real good shape with lots of go go juice 89 plymouth reliant (daily driver) 86 thunderbird sitting in the weeds almost covered (anyone need parts?) WWW.xschunkofthenet.freeservers.com nothing there I promise " tell me I'm a sinner I got news for you. I spoke to god this morning and he dont like you" OZZY

03-12-2003, 09:27 AM	#20
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	TTT Interesting topic...I like fiberglass stuff and I'm hoping someone has a picture of a finished glass bed. Please post it if you do! __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

03-12-2003, 09:34 AM	#21
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	Here's an unfinished bed Attached Images __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

03-12-2003, 09:35 AM	#22
kxmotox247 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 1,396	And the cab Attached Images __________________ Baby Blue's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=652776 Project 68's Build Thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...17#post8442117 www.stonecolumnclassics.com Email: Josh@stonecolumnclassics.com

03-13-2003, 03:10 PM	#23
trailwart Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: michigan Posts: 356	thanx for all the input. would love to see pictures of a finished bed. if anybody has done this __________________ 72 chevy 3\4 ton 4 speed 4x4 84 1\2 ton 4x4 (gone but not forgotten, thanks for the memories) 1999 suburban 4x4 1982 chevrolet S-10 V-8 (Thanks uncle EARL)

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