Bed Time – A New Fleetside Box For a 1964 Chevrolet C10

In last month’s issue of CLASSIC TRUCKS we began the process of transforming Rudy Serna’s longbed 1964 Chevy pickup into a more svelte shortbed version. We began by documenting Chris Alston’s Chassisworks’ crew as they installed one of their KP Components shortbed rear subframe kits for 1963-1972 C10s. This time around we followed along as they assembled and installed a new short box from Classic Parts of America.

The first step in assembling the new bed is to lay out all the new parts. It’s a good idea to check the fit of the new bed cross sills to ensure the mounting holes line up with those in the framerails.

With the fitment of the sills verified assembly of the bed begins with attaching one side to the front panel. Once it is secured the second side can be bolted in place and installed. The assembly will be a little floppy until the rear sill is installed—once that is done the entire assembly can be set on the frame. At that point it’s a good idea to make sure the bed is square by measuring diagonally (from the left front corner to right rear and from the right front corner to left rear) and check that the bed sides are 90 degrees to the sills with a carpenter’s square. (Installing the tailgate may help keep everything square as all the bolts are tightened.)

Although we were not able to photograph the bedwood being installed, we can pass along this tip. When installing the wood lay out the planks so there are uniform gaps between them—this will provide room for the planks to expand and contract.

If you want a shortbed C10 and all you can find is a long wheelbase version don’t be afraid to cut it down to size. Or, if you’re got a short box that’s been battered and needs more repair than it’s worth, the solution to the problem in both cases is substituting a new reproduction bed from Classic Parts of America. Check out how easy it is to do.