30-31 pickup beds

The wide bed box is 6.5" wider than the standard box. It's also somewhat longer but I don't know that measurement. The most significant factor is that the widebed uses rear fenders that are 3" narrower than the standard pickup, coupe, roadster fenders and the widebed fenders are not reproduced - at least not in steel.
 
Another difference, based strictly on my preferences, is that the earlier bed looks better but the later bed is more practical if you are using it as a truck to carry things.

Charlie Stephens
 
The widebed has the middle tailgate hinge, missing from the standard bed. And it has a steel floor covering the wood in the bed.
 
Deeper... Check out the beds' front panels as compared to the belt line on each cab. They both use the same cab, but the wide bed almost reaches the cab's belt molding.
 
Another difference is that the standard bed'd sides curve to meet the floor where the WB's are a 90 degree corner. Makes it easier to haul more.
 
The Front Panel on the Wide Bed also has an Arc or Radius, similar to the Belt line on the back of the Cab.

The Front Panel on the Narrow Bed is straight across.

Darryl in Fairbanks 15 degrees F, with Freezing Rain 5" - 10" of Snow Mixed with Rain for the next 36 hours. I'll keep the Phaeton at home today.
 
On a related note, can anyone say what the original wood species was on a standard ‘31 bed and how it was finished? I’m thinking it was likely painted oak, but I’d like to know for certain.

Thanks!
 
David Conwill said:
On a related note, can anyone say what the original wood species was on a standard ‘31 bed and how it was finished? I’m thinking it was likely painted oak, but I’d like to know for certain.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
"Standard '31 bed" ?? What do you mean by "Standard"? There were 2 distinctly different beds in '31.

The "narrow bed" had a wood floor, topside painted same color as the bed. From what I've read, the bottom was "Japan Black"

The "Wide Bed" was wood covered with a steel floor. Not sure how the wood was finished underneath the metal floor.
 
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