Our C10 project truck began its life as a Stepside truck. The original bed was in such poor shape that we knew it would need to be replaced, so we decided that we would change the bed over to a Fleetside. At first we scoured the junkyards looking for a good, used replacement bed. We found that the beds that were inexpensive were in such poor shape that it would require way too much money to get it back in good working order. We also found that the ones that were in great shape were top dollar and would still require a fair amount of labor. So we decided that the best route for us was to order a replacement bed. We contacted Jamie Duncanson, Sales Manager at Brothers Trucks and placed our order. Within a few days, we received an email confirmation stating that our order was being shipped. The email provided us with a tracking number for our shipment. Several days later our bed arrived at our shop. Due to the size and weight of the shipment it is shipped by a common carrier. Brother’s ships this direct from their warehouse, so unless you plan on picking it up from there, this is the only way to get it to your house or shop. This will add several hundred dollars to the order depending on your location in the United States, so keep this in mind if you decide to go this route.
Our shipment, due to its size, was shipped by a common carrier and packaged neatly on a wooden pallet.
Another thing that is important to remember is that the replacement body pieces have not been test fit together before they are shipped out. A factory bed has already had all the alignment done when it was assembled at the factory. The replacement panels have not been put together so while they go together fairly easy, you have to plan on spending a little extra time fine tuning the fit. It took us almost as long to unbox, sort and check all the pieces as it did to put the bed together. This project can be done in your garage with the help of a friend in an afternoon with a minimal amount of tools.
Before you begin—remember—do not tighten the bolts all the way down until everything has been put together. CCT
