Flush mount fuel filler cap bed versus fuel filler door type bed

[Jason S]

Due to damage from the August 13, 2012 storm (Friday 13th), I'm now currently going to have to deal with some bodywork on the '73 GMC.  About 12 years ago I replaced the original 1973 bed from damage received when I slid off an icy road coming back from a hunting trip. The replacement bed was from an '82 Chevy truck which had the fuel filler doors.

I can say that I never missed the gasoline streaks down the side of the bed with the newer bed, however I now have a chance to return the truck to factory appearance (or at least closer to factory).

I've located a '77 bed with the round flush mount fuel filler for $150.  It's far from perfect, however it is the correct type bed for a '73 GMC in that it has the round flush mount fuel filler.  I'm certain it'll need lots of work to get it back into shape (i.e., it's primered black, lots of tool box holes, etc.), but it would be correct.  It doesn't seem to have much rust issues (that I could notice at the time), but I did notice that there was some places near the driver rear that needed to be welded back and there was bondo around that area.  So it may be a basket case of a bed or may be minor issues. Whatever the issues are it would be the correct style bed for the truck and I'm sure I can fix the bed.

I also have located an '81-up bed with the fuel filler doors.  It looks to be in good shape overall with a dented in section below the passenger taillight.  There doesn't seem to be any other major issues with the bed and it's still in the factory paint and fairly straight inside and out.  They're asking $160 for it.

I know that I can get new bedsides for either style bed, but I can't justify the cost for new bedside(s) when I can rebuild/refinish a used bed for 1/2 to 3/4 the cost.

SO, knowing that I'm trying to keep as close to factory look but also not go broke doing the rebuild, I'd like to know opinions about the flush mount filler versus the fuel filler door bed. (FYI: I'm currently leaning toward going with the fuel filler door bed, but it is very tempting to return to the earlier style bed)

[zieg85]

I vote go original if at all possible.  The non gas filler doors are getting harder to come by.

[jaredts]

I like the look of what came on your truck originally.  Exposed chrome fuel caps just look old school and kind of classy to me.  Its whatever you like though.

[Jason S]

Originally the exposed flush mount caps would've been body colored. 

The problem is I like the original style but I like having the fuel doors... minor detail but still important...

[thirsty]

I liked the upgrade to filler doors. I vote to use the newer bed.

[slammed79]

Originally the exposed flush mount caps would've been body colored. 

The problem is I like the original style but I like having the fuel doors... minor detail but still important...

I actually still have the factory gas cap for my 74, looks pretty good still too.

If it's me, I'd go with the bed that needs the least amount of love. If the 80's bed needs less work, I say do it that way.

Also, its still July.

[False]

I like the oem look, but then I have fuel filler doors. More work means more money in the end.

[Jason S]

Well, I just couldn't pull the trigger for the flush mount filler bed, it just had too much work to be done. 

For only $10 more than the round hole bed (i.e., $160 total) the fuel filler door bed was straighter and had lots less issues.

[codyC10kid]

i vote for the chrome fuel cap.i dont like the doors

[Jason S]

The chrome fuel caps are aftermarket replacements.  The original, factory cap would've been body colored.

Anyhow, the round cap bed I found needed too much work and I bought the fuel door bed.

[codyC10kid]

The chrome fuel caps are aftermarket replacements.  The original, factory cap would've been body colored.

Anyhow, the round cap bed I found needed too much work and I bought the fuel door bed.

Hmm i didnt know that....

[78 Chevyrado]

If its a daily driver...  79-up bed, no question.  if its for show and not driven much, go original with 78-back bed.

My 78 has the original flush mount caps and i cause them every time i fill up.  I have to constantly wax where the gas spills.  I never had this crap on my 87.  I miss that bed.  I'd have switched to a later bed, but my bed was so pristine, i couldn't see doing it no matter what the argument.  if my bed was junk, I'd have the later bed, no question.  really no one but true chevy truck guys would ever notice it anyway.

79-up  saves paint and effort  78-down  gas on paint every fill up (or you go super slow and careful from here on out)  and lots of waxing.  if you slack off it'll turn yellow.

my 78 I hate these caps


my 87  way easier and way less trouble