720 bed swap.

[720axr]

Hey all! Pretty new here and I wanted to get some info on swapping a bed. I have an 86 base model 720 single cab. I REALLY want to swap the bed for something like an 84 or so. I want the bed tie down look. What problems would I run into that wouldn't be so obvious? Any and all help is welcomed!

[datzenmike]

Visually they don't match but otherwise they will swap. You would need the bed from an '84 king cab or another regular cab. What about swapping the '84 tie downs onto the '85?

[NC85ST]

The rust look, in the body seams, also comes with the ‘84 or earlier bed.

[720axr]

On 6/18/2023 at 9:55 AM, datzenmike said:

Visually they don't match but otherwise they will swap. You would need the bed from an '84 king cab or another regular cab. What about swapping the '84 tie downs onto the '85?

Well my dilemma is I have a 86 stock with a bed without the tie down slot. I reallllllly love that look it's just something I really want. I almost thought about slapping em on the normal bed but gladly I didnt.

[720axr]

On 6/18/2023 at 10:53 AM, NC85ST said:

The rust look, in the body seams, also comes with the ‘84 or earlier bed.

I'm not too sure I understand?

[datzenmike]

The '85-'86 is a seamless one piece side design. Earlier trucks had a single upper piece, two lower pieces and the floor of the bed. They all meet at this horizontal spot welded seam and it rusts out.

 

 

[powderfinger]

Yeah, I would stick with the 86 bed if it is in decent shape. Very difficult to find a pre-85 bed that isn't rusted out and if you do find one that looks good make sure it hasn't been painted before. In that case looks can be deceiving, the bed may be full of body filler.

[720_Jeff]

This might be a decent picture of what is being described.  Other side of the truck has the same rust lines, parallel to the ground.