Give me your opinion on this...

[Tony_Urwin]

Should I narrow the bed on this stakeside truck? I plan to keep the truck 6V and original for the most part.

I bought an immaculate B1c116 with a stake bed completely dis-assembled for restoration. The PO had passed away before he could restore the bed. All the parts are there, just need surface rust removed before painting and re-assembly. The bedwood is gone and I plan to replace it with white oak.

The stake is 83" wide by 90" long. I sticks out about 6" beyond the sides of the cab. I am considering narrowing the bed by 8' to 10" before I put it back together. It would be easier to use the truck around town if the bed were smaller.

Here's a picture of the truck before the PO removed the bed.

[DAVE KNOXX TENN]

Should I narrow the bed on this stakeside truck? I plan to keep the truck 6V and original for the most part.

I bought an immaculate B1c116 with a stake bed completely dis-assembled for restoration. The PO had passed away before he could restore the bed. All the parts are there, just need surface rust removed before painting and re-assembly. The bedwood is gone and I plan to replace it with white oak.

The stake is 83" wide by 90" long. I sticks out about 6" beyond the sides of the cab. I am considering narrowing the bed by 8' to 10" before I put it back together. It would be easier to use the truck around town if the bed were smaller.

Here's a picture of the truck before the PO removed the bed.

Great Looking Truck

[Dennis_MN]

This looks like a 1/2 or 3/4 ton pickup... why not put the standard box on it?

108" wheelbase is 1/2 ton and 116" wheelbase should be a 3/4 ton. I would think that would be a lot easier than trimming down the stake bed.

Dennis

[Reg Evans]

In my opinion the bed has perfect proportions.

[Norm's Coupe]

Tony,

I think I would keep it as it was in the picture. Stake bed trucks all looked like that. As mentioned, you could also put a pickup box on it. That would also look good. However, you would then need to locate a box, fenders, etc. to make it into a pickup.

Also, you don't see many old restored stake beds restored, but you do see a lot of pickups. But, in the end it's up to you.

By the way, if you narrow the bed you would probably need some type of fenders on it to make it look right.

Just my opinion.

[PatS....]

I like it just the way it is...always like truck beds like that. You may think about trying a wider wheel in the rear, or even mini duals.

But, you know, if you would like it better narrow...do it!!! Please youself.

[Johnny S]

I think it looks great as set up now.

[Zeke1953]

From your picture It looks like you have the 7 1/2 foot stakebody. According to Don Bunn, it is a rare model ("Not many of these were sold and few have survived".) He is referring to a '51 model, but I'm sure the same holds true for the earlier models as well. I have the '53 version of this truck and I wouldn't change it for the world. Just my two cents worth! I am working on those pictures and measurements and will post them soon. Zeke

[IanT_Qld]

I think All stake beds are wider than the cab - more "Job Rated" Mine is wider than the cab but I dont think it sticks much out past the front fenders, and nearly as far as the front mirror, there is a cut out so you can see out back. I think from memory my tray is 6' wide 7 to 8 foot long, I can measure this Saturday if you like.

[Tony_Urwin]

Thanks, Ian. There seems to be quite a variety of stakebeds out there. I downloaded the screen saver from pilothouse.org, which has several stakebed photos, all different types.

I guess I will leave my bed as original. I have assembled the parts of the bed as best as I can (quite a puzzle!) and I am still at a loss where the taillights connect. Do you have a picture of your stakebed from the rear?

[IanT_Qld]

Unfortuantly my rear is not standard, Grandad ordered a cab-chassie and got the tray locally made in Stanthorpe (town of 4000 people in 1952) so probably is one of a kind.

Besides all that I don't like my tail lights and will change them (bigger or LED as they were never standard to start with) as well as place them further under the tray, so they arent in direct sunlight and hopefully easier to see.

have alook anyway at the photo.