I took the first stab at mocking up one half of my bed today on the truck and instantly have questions as things seemed too tight. 1. is there a difference in the back part of the cab of a 55 stepside to a 58/59 fleetside? 2. is there a difference in the rear bed portion of a 55 stepside to a 58/59 fleetside? If you look at these two pictures you will see that the cab/bed touch. I was able to move the cab forward a tiny bit after removing the bed side but I do not know if it is enough. I am wondering if the cabs are different. See how the cab side comes out and goes back in. I wonder if the fleetside cab is just rounded off and does not come back and in. I was wondering if the frames were different in step to fleetside which might set the back piece back a tiny bit further to create the needed room in the front. But if that is the case the fender would sit back further and the tire would not center in the wheelwell Like I said I was able to nudge the cab forward a little so that two fingers fit between the front bed bar to the cab. It was less then that originally. If any of you have any advice/tips/point something out that is wrong let me know. I am all ears.
If anything it looks like your bed just needs to be raised up a little, the cab is the same in the back 55-59. Those fleet beds cover quite a bit of the rear of he cab. get the upper body line and the rocker lined up. the bed should go over the back of the cab, with just enough room for your fingertips around the seam. frame should be the same.
The cabs are the same for '55-'59. In fact, if you want to blow a quick $5000, there's a company that's repopping them. The frames should also be the same (except the obvious LWB/SWB). I'm sorry I can't view the pics as I am at work, but I'll bring them back up when I get home if you haven't gotten an answer by then. Good luck!
well it is good to know that the stuff should be the same. I will wait till my rubber pads come in and try again. I think with the cab I moved it forward a tiny bit...which will help. The rubber pads should raise it up. Thanks!
try looking at the photos in this related thread, lots of examples http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=219014
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