Getting a different bed?

[Funkatation]

I have a 1974 GMC 1500 that has a 78+ bed on it, and I'd like to try and find a more appropriate one.  Is it even possible to find one in decent shapes these days? Whats the best process for finding one? I've been searching craig's list and some of the local salvage yards, but they have been pretty rough.  Any help is appreciated.

[fitz]

It all depends on what part of the country you live in.

[Funkatation]

I live in Central Texas.

[Eastonfrench]

Central Texas is a good area. Arizona and Nevada are also low rust areas. I am from INdiana, and have to have a brown bed on my red truck because its the best I could find, and it is not in great shape by any means.

Goood Luck

[fitz]

I would think in Texas you would be able to find a clean bed.  Sometimes it takes a while on Craigslist.
I usually find it easier & cheaper in the end to buy a complete truck for the parts I need.  Sometimes I can get by with a $300 parts truck. Sometimes I've spent $3500 on a truck if has the parts I need.
Keep looking, one will turn up. 
You could always have a body shop put a older style fuel filter beck on your bed.

[SuburbanHunter]

I found a very straight long bed on Craigslist for $300. I has some rust but is not rusted through anyplace.
I am just doing rust mitigation to prevent it from getting any worse. Probably won't have time to make it (or the rest of the truck) pretty until next spring.

[Funkatation]

What are the thoughts on buying all new pieces and making a new bed? Can you get one that has the hole rather than the fuel door?

[fitz]

Piecing a new bed together with aftermarket parts is an option, but I would rather find a rust free GM bed.
What shape is your bed in?

[Funkatation]

the inside of the bed is rusted near the cab at the edges...

[Jason S]

If I remember correctly...

For the round filler hole bed -  the '77 bed was better in that it had the drain holes inside the wheel arches where one can wash out dirt and debris.  The earlier beds didn't have this feature. 

[1967KaiserM715]

What are the thoughts on buying all new pieces and making a new bed? Can you get one that has the hole rather than the fuel door?

Don't, my bed is definitely an aftermarket one, thin and don't line up right is some spots- so far almost all aftermarket ones I have seen have been of the same or worse quality of mine, I would much rather start with a slightly rusted GM bed and patch that