What are your thoughts on this? I mocked up a photo of a 1990 bed on my 1983 pickup to see how the body lines matched up. The 3rd gen bed has similar fender wells to the 1st gen front fenders so I figured that it might work. I would probably end up shaving the "accent stamp" that runs down the middle of the doors, fenders and bed in the event that the body lines don't match up well. I will probably have to adjust the bed mounts in order to get the be height lined up with the cab.

What do you all think about this? Has anybody even seen this done before? I've been searching too damn long for a decent factory bed so I'm open to suggestions and comments. Plus I think that this could be a good look if I can pull it off.

 

This is a better photo:

The blues just happen to be coincidental

 

Could be cool, but I'd hate to bastardise my first gen. They look so good just the way they are. I'm in the same boat though, my bed doesn't have much life left in it. I concider getting one of the fiberglass beds but they're $$$$.
Keep us posted on what you end up doing. Would be a very interesting option if it works out.

 

i forget who's truck this is--but a 3rd gen/1st gen hybrid looks a lot better

than a 2nd gen/1st gen Hybrid:

 

The body lines between the 1st and 3rd gen look close enough that a little body filler to cover the stamped molding down the side could make it match really well. I wouldn't mess with a 2nd gen bed. Looks like I'd also have to match the fender flares up a little bit.

 

I usually hate mixing beds and cabs but that looks alright, it's workable.

 

I could be wrong but arnt 3rd gens 3" wider? so you would have 1.5" hanging out on both sides.

 

The rear axle is physically 3" wider.

 

so is the bed ..
you can make it fit , but its "goofy"



.

 

So the owner of the truck pictured on post #4 sectioned his?
edit: found the original post. He did a nice job narrowing the tailgate..proportions look totally stock-

 

Damn, it looks good! Thanks for digging those pics up for me. I sent the guy a PM to see if he sectioned it or not. Looks like I may have my next project after I get my next five projects done! LOL

 

Unless your a perfectionist it will look just fine and serve it`s purpose of hauling stuff around.

 

still looks goofy to me ..



.

 

so where is it three inches wider and where was it modified to correct the width?
I wholeheartedly acknowledge your fab skills, but I just don't see where this was modified to take 3" out of the forward wall of the bed or the tailgate(along with the floor of the bed)...which in my eyes is where it would have to be modified IMO.

It looks to be a viable alternative to those looking for a bed.

 

I guess you havent seen one personally , I dont want to get all "pissy" about it .. there is a differance in width .. but what ever not my bag .. but hey .. if it's you "bag" then do it ... it fits and is a fairly easy install



.

 

I PMed the guy to ask what he did. I don't mind doing the work to make it fit. The molding lines don't matter to me because I would plan on filling them. Taking 3" out wouldn't be a big deal, plus I could get a less rust prone bed that, in my opinion, could look pretty good if done right. I really do appreciate your input, especially since you guys are heavy into fabrication on this forum.

 

Slacker, if you sold your first gen beds for like $500, we wouldn't even be having this conversation. I'm still concidering the fiberglass bed as an option, and they appear to be worth every penny you ask for them, but an expencive option vs a junkyard bed and some fab time.

I do agree that I'd rather keep the stock look. First gens are too pretty (when not rusted out) to mess with.

 

Ugh, I wish you lived closer... I'd buy that stepside bed off you right now!

 

I think that looks fantastic.
My bed is beat to heck, this might be worth a moment's consideration.
Does the bolt pattern differ much between the generations?

 

I'm with Bingle too! I like the original beds, but they are so damn hard to find in even a decent shape on the east coast. Toyota Fiberglass does have a nice product, but it can be a pretty hefty upfront cost when you consider what all you can do to our trucks for that kind of money. Plus I'm still stuck on metal, but slowly leaning towards caving in to fiberglass.

Slacker, what do we have to do to get a discount! I keep looking on Groupon.com for discounts but your never on there! LOL