Long Box Stepside Parts / Restoration ( 86 Chevy )

[Hutch998]

I've got an 86 K20 with a longbed stepside, and the box is pretty beat up. I've been searching for a replacement step for over a year, with no progress. Is there even aftermarket options for this? Or is the 73-87 era of stepsides not supported? Has anyone else had this problem? What did you do to replace the steps? My thought was to buy two shortbed steps, and weld / hack them together to make the longer version, but I'm leery to blow money on something that isn't going to work or looks terrible. I know the longbed stepsides are ugly to most, but I'd like to fix it and have something rare / unique.

[fitz]

How bad are your original steps?
Can you post pics of them?

[Hutch998]

I took it to a local body shop, and the owner pretty much laughed me out of his shop, so I'm loosing hope of fixing this. I personally do not know how to do body repair, so I do not know what's savable vs. too far gone. I'm smart enough to know this isn't a bondo job, but is it really just a pile of scrap at this point?

[VileZambonie]

Those can be fabricated especially since you have enough in tact there to use a template. Most body shops today are "collision repair" so unless they say they do restoration and custom work don't waste your time talking to them. Where are you located?

[Hutch998]

I'm in the La Crosse, WI area. I'm just looking to get the step fixed, and if they do a good job, I'll take the rest of the bed to them. It's not a time constricted project, so I'm hoping to find a shop that'll take their time and to it right.

[VileZambonie]

I don't know anyone in your area but there are probably other members here who can make recommendations. Personally, I would just elongate the standard step.

[philo_beddoe]

I agree with VZ. No body shop would touch my truck. All collision repair and big insurance. Back in the day it was all body and bondo repair. Automobiles just dont rot out like they used to. Too bad....i think.

[Hutch998]

Well my luck ended up being that the only "custom" shop in my area refuses to touch my truck, or even weld 2 new steps together. Does anyone know if 2 steps will still be long enough?

[fitz]

I looked into this about 15 years ago.  If I remember correctly, 2  shortbed steps spliced & welded together would still be to short.

[VileZambonie]

You need to either add a section from your old step or fabricate the center section.