Posted by Vaughn [172.69.140.175] on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 08:51:58 :
In Reply to: Jeep M715 bed on PW posted by OB [141.101.68.110] on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 07:11:47 :
I've never seen one mounted on a PW, but I suppose it can be done as anything is possible with a torch and welder.
Here are the M715 Bed Dimensions: 92.5" Long x 64" Wide x 16" Deep. The PW bed is 54" wide by 96-1/4" long, so the M715 bed will extend out further out on the sides so you probably would have to cut a length section out of the bed to narrow it to get the tire clearance with the bed side panels, since axles are wider on the M715.
Dodge Bed Interchanges:
Starting with the '48 through '55, the 1-ton 2wd Dodges used the 9' long x 54" wide box with flare board top rails. Any Dodge tailgate with a center hinge slot is of the wider (54") variety and will work for PW's post '50. Post '55 are similar but have a flat top on the side panels.
You will need to remove stake pockets, shorten the side length, and re-attach them. Also, the lower front will have to be brought up to clear the running boards. 51 and up PW fenders will work fine, they have the inside lip.
The 2nd series box is hardest to find (for PW's) and repo and the 1-ton 2wd's seem to reflect low parts truck prices.
The 1961 to 71 W300's used a 9' box of the flat top variety, so cut as you wish.
Bed Modification:
You can modify a 9-foot bed by cutting 7-5/16" off front and 5-11/16" off the rear. You also need to shorten and re-bend the forward lower area of the sides to clear the running boards. Re-attach the stake pockets. Fill in any extra fender holes. The under-bed steel supports are a bit different (lighter duty) but workable. A similar modification can be said for the second series of boxes from 1-ton 2x4's.
It’s a lot of work and if you have the skills, it’s doable.
There are several places that deal in used PW sheet metal and that is the easiest way to go. Time you locate a bed, purchase it, do all the mods, the expense may be a little cheaper than just getting a PW bed.
Be careful - unless someone actually provides a picture or instructions on how to do it, I would be leery that it can actually be done without extensive mods.
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