1st generation pickup bed questions
Nov 30, 2009 | 04:55 PM
#1
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From: wonderful central NJ
1st generation pickup bed questions
I haven't been on YotaTech long, and maybe the following have already been answered someplace, so just bear with me. I would like to replace the rotted bed on my truck before all the homesteaders that live in my house spend all of what's left of my money before I die. First fiberglass. I know there are a few companies out there making them. Are they popular? Anybody have likes or dislikes? How does the paint appearance compare between the steel cab and the 'glass? Second steel. Back in the day, I was informed that the 2wd trucks with the locking gas cap door were a Jap bed [no rot] and the 4x4 beds were stamped in the USA [rot] and assembled in Long Branch CA. Was this true? Are the molds for the 1st gen steel bed still in use? I see the Taliban love the 1st gen trucks. Does anybody know if these are new [2001] or is it just because they are in the desert? Not rotted? Do you lucky people living in the west still see these 1st gen around? In junkyards? Have there been 2wd trucks posted for parts or whole for sale in the YotaTech classifieds? Basically, how much time do I have left?
Nov 30, 2009 | 05:36 PM
#2
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From: Sweet Home, OR
First off if you go with a 2wd bed, they will not have fender flares, so you will end up hacking the fenders and it still won't match the front very well. Just a heads up.
We are in a fairly rust-free area up here in OR. Its not uncommon to see a good bed on a first-gen 4wd or 2wd in the junkyard. Finding one in the junkyard, bed on or otherwise, is getting to be a harder task though. Your area may vary. Fiberglass is a good alternative and I don't believe you will notice a difference in the metal cab and fiberglass bed if the prep and paint is done properly on both pieces. There are a couple people on here that deal with fiberglass, I'm sure they'll chime in here in a while.
As far as the US bed or the Japanese Bed, I'm sure the US bed had center-handled tailgate and the Japanese Bed had the two side hinges.
Personally, for the cost, I'd go with a fiberglass bed. Not that much and will last forever practically.
We are in a fairly rust-free area up here in OR. Its not uncommon to see a good bed on a first-gen 4wd or 2wd in the junkyard. Finding one in the junkyard, bed on or otherwise, is getting to be a harder task though. Your area may vary. Fiberglass is a good alternative and I don't believe you will notice a difference in the metal cab and fiberglass bed if the prep and paint is done properly on both pieces. There are a couple people on here that deal with fiberglass, I'm sure they'll chime in here in a while.
As far as the US bed or the Japanese Bed, I'm sure the US bed had center-handled tailgate and the Japanese Bed had the two side hinges.
Personally, for the cost, I'd go with a fiberglass bed. Not that much and will last forever practically.
Dec 1, 2009 | 05:24 AM
#3
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Montana
I think the center handle vs side handles was a year thing. When they went to square headlights they went to the center tailgate handle. On later model beds you can tell if they're US or Japan by whether the bed rail is on the inside or outside.
They all rust, though. Like rowdy said, you can still find rust free beds. If you're looking for something to last for a long long time, fiberglass is the way to go, though. Expensive...and a waiting list (with someone like Toyotafiberglass.com anyways). But if I had the cash I'd definitely get one. There are also flatbeds...these trucks look great with a well designed flatbed, but they look great with the stock bed too. Can't decide which I like better.
They all rust, though. Like rowdy said, you can still find rust free beds. If you're looking for something to last for a long long time, fiberglass is the way to go, though. Expensive...and a waiting list (with someone like Toyotafiberglass.com anyways). But if I had the cash I'd definitely get one. There are also flatbeds...these trucks look great with a well designed flatbed, but they look great with the stock bed too. Can't decide which I like better.
Dec 2, 2009 | 10:57 AM
#4
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Arizona
I haven't been on YotaTech long, and maybe the following have already been answered someplace, so just bear with me. I would like to replace the rotted bed on my truck before all the homesteaders that live in my house spend all of what's left of my money before I die. First fiberglass. I know there are a few companies out there making them. Are they popular? Anybody have likes or dislikes? How does the paint appearance compare between the steel cab and the 'glass? Second steel. Back in the day, I was informed that the 2wd trucks with the locking gas cap door were a Jap bed [no rot] and the 4x4 beds were stamped in the USA [rot] and assembled in Long Branch CA. Was this true? Are the molds for the 1st gen steel bed still in use? I see the Taliban love the 1st gen trucks. Does anybody know if these are new [2001] or is it just because they are in the desert? Not rotted? Do you lucky people living in the west still see these 1st gen around? In junkyards? Have there been 2wd trucks posted for parts or whole for sale in the YotaTech classifieds? Basically, how much time do I have left?
i too would go with a fiberglass bed and front, lighter, better lasting, no rusting, easy to repair, but expensive.
if i were you, id set up a deal, fly here to arizona and get a truck and drive it back, puts a good story behind the truck, and afterall, you said you wanna blow the rest of your money
Dec 2, 2009 | 11:18 AM
#5
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Montana
Check this out. He's a member here, and the beds appear to be top notch. He will answer your questions honestly...last I heard, he had more than enough business, so he's not going to be feeding you a line to get you to buy one. http://www.toyotafiberglass.com/new_page_2.htm
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