Technical 47 Bedsides Help

I’ve been searching the forum and online and I can’t find the dimensions I need. I have an early 47 Chevy 1/2 ton and I want to build my own bedsides (my truck has no rear sheet metal).

I know the length is 78” I can’t find the exact height and where is breaks over.

I really need to know how thick the steel is.

Thanks.

 

How about some generic numbers and you can adjust to meet your needs?

The bed sides are usually 18 gauge, but most have some form of beads running length wise for added stiffness.
The round rail at the top is 1 1/4" outside diameter with a 18 g thickness.
From the round edge, the angled flange is about 6" wide, and the bend is 45 degrees.
From the 45 degree bend, the sides are 24" in height. Most beds have an extra panel that attaches to the bottom of the side and extend downward to meet the running boards. Those extensions are usually 2 separate pieces and the piece in front is different then the piece behind the fender. Normally there is no extension inside the fenders.
On each front and rear outside vertical edge of the bed are stake pockets, usually 18 g steel formed into a flanged channel that are usually spot welded vertically to the bed sides. The stake pockets are spot welded to the angles top of the box side itself as well, and the openings in the formed rectangle are opened up so 2" x 2" wood can be added above the box sides if desired. The bottom end of the formed stake pockets are often left open. Usually the tail lights are mounted on the rear stake pockets.
The front panel (also 18 g sheet metal) often has a tube at the top, a 3/4" or 1" lip at the bottom, and 90 degree bent sides. The bent sides are bolted to the bed sides so the top tube is below the 45 degree side bends. Often a long threaded rod will go through the top tube and bolt through the bed sides. The bottom lip is a 90 degree bend that fits up under the bottom of the front edge of the bed floor.

Nearly always there is a 14G or sometimes even 11 gauge channel that encloses the rear of the bed, below the floor. It is the rear support for the floor, and also the rear support for the bed sides. Generally, the channel is welded to the lower rear stake pockets and is bolted to the truck frame. The rear bed floor bolts to the top flange of the channel. Often the tailgate hinges also attach to this rear channel.

Most bed sides have an angle iron attached to the inside edge that will sit on the bed floor. The height of where that angle iron attaches to the bed side will determine how deep the bed is above the floor, and how high the top of the bed is compared to the cab. That height changes a lot from year to year, and manufacturer to manufacturer.

For those that didn't know, there are bed cross members that are bolted to the rear frame, then the floor material (usually wood boards) are bolted to the cross members (more accurately, there are steel strips that retain the floor to the cross members and those strips are what is bolted to the cross members), then the bed sides are bolted to the (wood or steel) floor.

I'm sure I missed something, but that should get you started. Gene

 

Thank you Gene. This is exactly what I needed and more. Yes, I am going to adjust to my needs, but having a starting point is important. I bought a frame with running gear and a cab. No front end or bed, I have no trucks around here to our eyes or hands on. Thank you again.

 

I'm happy I was helpful. I've built a few truck beds from scratch, if you need anything more just PM me here, I'm on here nearly every evening. Gene