Top bow length

[Boatcarpenter]

The top bows that came with my non-dropside bed are too short. They are approx. 70" long. It would appear that they should be approx. 75 1/2" long. Would the short ones perchance fit a dropside bed? If not , any suggestions as to what they might fit? Maybe a trailer, M37 etc. Any thoughts?; Oh, forgot, what is the correct length for non-dropside bows and what is the correct length for dropside bows?
Thanks,
BC

edited once

 

[houdel]

Dropside bows and bow corners are the same length for both dropside and non dropside beds. The only difference is the pins on the dropside bows and the latches and missing upper weld nuts on the dropside corners. I have (by accident, not by choice) three dropside bows, two non dropside bows, two non dropside corners and eight dropside corners on my Deuce. I have one spare non dropside bow, it is 75-1/2" long, same for a dropside bow. Your 70" bows are from some other critter, maybe a M105 trailer?

 

[Boatcarpenter]

Thanks Lee, I was looking over the troop seats etc., for the dropside bed I bought and comparing to the troopseats on my regular bed and find that I have 3 dropside rear side pocket stakes as corner stakes on my non-dropside troop seats but none with the brace rod. I have 4 more came with the dropside seats and fortunately 2 have the brace rod for the rear.
I'm short on dropside corners but a fellow Steel Soldier has a set so we will probably work a deal. Now to find the correct top bows!!
BC

 

[houdel]

I can trade you some dropside corners and/or bows if it helps. My truck in not a dropside, but I have 8 dropside corners and 3 dropside bows. The dropside parts don't do anything for me except saving me 6 corner bolts on the dropside bows, and I have plenty of corner bolts! Let me know if you want to swap.

 

[Boatcarpenter]

Thanks for the offer Lee. Let me poke around locally to see what I can come up with that might not involve shipping costs. If nothing turns up, I may take you up on the offer.
BC

 

[mcinfantry]

i have a BUNCH of troop seat parts. ill inventory and post in a few days

 

[wallew]

lee,
I'm looking for replacements for my two upper rails on the troop seat. Non drop side bed.

But I am looking for fiberglass. Currently have oak that is starting to disintegrate around the bolt holes.

If you have ANY (I need all four) let me know.

jim

 

[mcinfantry]

ok, it LOOKS, like the 5 ton set i have can be cut down (ill know more this weekend) since they are too long anyway. a few are broken so i plan on pulling that set apart. ill inventory it on sat/sun and post up

 

[houdel]

Jim - I have the same problem with my upper rails, the bolts have chewed up the hole and can't tighten them. My thought was to mix up a little JB weld and put a thin coat on the square part of the shank. Put in place and let the JB harden, then tighten. May coat the shank & head of the bolt with grease so the JB weld won't stick to it for later disassembly.

 

[deuceman51]

I think the bows you have are for an m135 or the early m34 series trucks, they have a slightly narrower bed than the M211/ M35 series trucks. Has anyone simply tried getting lumber from the local lumberyard and making your own?? All they are is bowed lumber.

 

[patch]

You can get bowed lumber at any Home Depot, just walk down the 2X4 aisle and they practically jump out at ya...Boioinnnggg!

 

[patch]

Oh yeah BC, I'll check for those bow corners today and get back to you....