1954 chevy

[durrettcustoms]

Well my dad and I found a 54 chevy cab on a 73 Chevy chassis for pretty cheap and decided to make it our next project. We've got a 350 engine with th350 for now. The only thing were trying to figure out is what to do with the bed!!!!!!! We thought about a newer model bed and have seen a few 90's model beds on 50's trucks that look decent. Are there any other cost consious options out there? We can't afford to pay 1000+ for the bed, that would be more than we paid for the truck!!!

Would an s10 bed work?

I'll post pics tonight!

[mr48chev]

Here we go again. Welcome to the board.
There are two problems with that late chassis under the AD trucks
1. the wheels usually stick out of the fender wells more than most guys want these days and don't really allow for a lowered truck. You end up with more of that 70's look with the tires sticking out of the fenders a few inches especially if you decide to run any type of reverse wheel.
2. The kickup at the back of the frame takes up almost all of the room in the bed when you put a bed on the truck at a level to match the lines of the cab. On almost any bed you use you will have to raise the floor a few inches to make it work.

At one time I was going to cut down a late model box and then run my early fenders on it but I have gotten away from that look on my rigs.

Some guys have a local sheet metal shop bend up the bed sides and end and then build their own beds. Not for everyone but I have seen some nice beds made that way.

Another option would be to build a slick little flatbed for it. Then it is just you, the truck, a tape measure and what ever material you decide to use.
I have a 1-1/2 ton that I intend to do just that to when I shorten the frame and set it on running gear similar to what is under your truck. I am going to use the stock frame though.

You will find that most of the guys on the board who have done frame swaps under AD trucks use the S 10 longbed chassis as it fits pretty well after they build a set of cab mounts similar to what one of the board members designed and shared the design with the board. You aren't exactly home free with that but the tires tuck under the fenders (a bit too far actually) The truck has modern running gear and a guy can get it real low real easy.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Newer beds on older trucks as been discussed before here. I think you'll find that about 90% don't like the look. Personally, I think it looks terrible. But, there's only one person's opinion that really matters and that's you.
Welcome to the board. Let us know what you decide.

[durrettcustoms]

Trust me I thought the same thing! However we can't afford a original style bed at the time and with the price of steel a flatbed would be pretty steep to build as well. I found the truck below on car domain and it's the best I've seen with a modern bed. Looks like a 90's model stepside bed. If I go with this style I'm going to work with the step in front of the rear fender to try and make it flow better!

[Dan Bowles]

The step side beds were virtually the same from 1954-1987. I don't see why you couldn't find one. I had neighbor once that put a dodge step side bed on his chevy. Looked fine. Used chevy fenders.

[durrettcustoms]

I didn't know that I will start looking for one!

[63 & 64 Bowties]

I'm confused. You say you can't afford an original bed, but then say "how 'bout if I buy a 90's style bed."
Look on Craigslist for home made trailers. I still see them around made out of old step side beds.

[918733]

You should just sell it to me, and then you wouldn't have to worry about it and then I would have enough parts to finish my 54

[Dan Bowles]

But your trailer isn't a '54 and up!

I still like it.

[durrettcustoms]

Yeh not so sure about the trailer thing, i've looked and there isn't anything close to Texas that I've seen. I found a 80 stepside chevy I'm getting today. I can always change the fenders on it and no one will ever know the difference!

918733 maybe you could sale me yours!

[durrettcustoms]

Got an 81 GMC Short Step from a guy for $375. Beds in GREAT shape just need to paint black and replace the wood in the floor!

Also, received my new Griffin Radiator today!

Incase you havent noticed this truck is by no means going to look stock. Im not trying to restore the truck to its original condition just make it a good looking daily driver!

So far this truck has parts from 6 different vehicles!

1983 Firebird -Rear end
1973 Chevy C10 - Frame
1979 Chevy C10 - Engine
1995 Chevy PU - Wheels - Hope to get new wheels soon!
2001 Trans Am - Seats
1981 GMC PU - Bed

Some people do not have the fortune to go buy all original or the best parts available. They have to search junk yards and the net for things that will work. To me thats real Hot Rodding.......

[raycow]

I'm with mr48. Make it a flatbed with custom stake sides. Those have a timeless quality and can look good on any year build.

Ray

[Dan Bowles]

Only 6? Keep going.