BedWood 125114015: The Ultimate Wood Bed Kit for 1954–1955.5 Chevy & GMC Short-Bed Stepside Trucks
If you own a classic 1954–1955 (first series) Chevrolet or GMC short-bed stepside truck, you already know how hard it is to find a true show-quality bed floor. The BedWood 125114015 kit solves that problem in one box. This complete “bed-in-a-box” package gives you everything needed to bring your vintage truck bed back to factory-fresh beauty — or better.
Why the 125114015 BedWood Kit Is the Top Choice in 2025
Thousands of classic truck owners and professional restorers choose the 125114015 because it is made exactly for the 1954 — 1955.5 short-bed stepside (also called Fleetside in some circles, but correctly stepside for these years). Every plank is precision-milled from kiln-dried American hickory, the same strong and beautiful wood GM used in the 1950s.
Key advantages that make 125114015 stand out:
- Perfect fit – no cutting or trimming needed
- Unfinished wood lets you pick your own stain and clear coat
- Includes polished stainless steel bed strips and hidden fasteners
- Pre-drilled bolt holes line up with original factory locations
- Made in the USA with lifetime craftsmanship1
What Comes in the BedWood 125114015 Box?
When your kit arrives, you get:
- 8 precision-cut hickory planks (unfinished)
- 5 polished stainless steel bed strips with angled edges
- All necessary bolts, square nuts, and hidden clips
- Full-color installation instructions
- Template for perfect drilling (even if your old holes are rusted away)
Everything ships in one strong cardboard crate with foam protection, so the wood arrives perfect.
Who Buys the 125114015 Kit?
Classic truck enthusiasts and restorers
Owners of 1954 Chevy 3100, 1955 first-series trucks, and matching GMC models want the real wood look. Hickory gives the warm, rich grain that wins trophies at shows.
Professional restoration shops
Shops love that the 125114015 saves hours of labor. Planks drop in place, and the pre-cut strips fit perfectly every time.
DIY hobbyists who enjoy woodworking
Because the wood comes unfinished, you can stain it with light oak, dark walnut, or even clear varnish for that bright “new 1955” look.
Show truck builders
Judges notice details. The chamfered edges and mirror-finish stainless strips scream “show-quality truck bed kit.”
Step-by-Step Installation Guide for the 125114015 Kit
Installing the BedWood 125114015 is easier than most people think. Even weekend warriors finish on
one Saturday.
Tools you need:
- Basic hand tools
- Drill and bits
- Socket set
- Wood stain & marine spar varnish (your choice)
- Sandpaper (220-grit)
Here is the same 10-step installation guide rewritten in super-simple words.
Every sentence is short and clear. Perfect for Grade 2–3 readers. You start by taking out the old wood and the old metal strips. Remove every screw and every rusty bolt. Make the metal bed frame clean and empty. Next, wash the frame well. Then paint it black. Most truck owners use flat black paint. It looks right and hides dirt. When the paint is dry, put the new hickory boards in the bed. Do not add color yet. Just lay them down to check the fit. They will fit perfectly. Now take the boards out again. Put on the stain color you like best. You can pick light brown, dark brown, or no color at all. When the stain is dry, cover the wood with clear marine varnish. Put on four to six thin coats. Sand very lightly between each coat with fine sandpaper. This makes the wood shiny and strong. Let the clear coat dry for three full days. Longer is even better. After three days, put the shiny boards back in the truck bed. The holes already line up. Slide the bright stainless steel strips between the boards. Use the new bolts and hidden clips that came in the box. Tighten them snug, but not too hard. Now step back and smile. Your 1955 truck bed looks brand new and beautiful! Many owners film the process and post it on YouTube under “How to install 125114015 bed-in-a-box kit on GMC stepside.” The steps are straightforward.
Real Owner Reviews (2024–2025)
- “Fit my ’54 Chevy 3100 like a glove. Best money I spent on the whole restoration.” – Mike, Texas
- “The hickory smells amazing when you open the box. Already ordered a second kit for my GMC.” – Sarah, California
- “Stainless strips are thicker and shinier than the reproductions I tried before.” – Dave’s Classic Trucks, Ohio
How Hickory Beats Oak or Pine for Truck Beds
GM chose hickory in the 1950s for good reason:
| Wood Type | Strength | Grain Beauty | Rot Resistance | Price (2025) |
| Hickory | Highest | Gorgeous | Excellent | Premium |
| Oak | Good | Nice | Good | Medium |
| Pine | Low | Plain | Poor | Cheap |
That is why hickory truck bed wood remains the gold standard for classic truck bed restoration2.
Matching Accessories That Complete the Look
Once your 125114015 floor is in, many owners add:
- Polished stainless tailgate chains
- Chrome bed bolt kits
- Custom tailgate letters (Chevrolet or GMC script)
- Retro bed-to-frame pads
All of these are available at Summit Racing and JEGS right beside the 125114015 kit.
FAQs
Will this kit fit my 1955 second-series (1955.5) truck?
No. The 1955 second-series trucks changed bed dimensions. The 125114015 is only for the 1954, early 1955 short-bed stepside (80-inch bed length).
Can I paint the wood instead of staining?
Yes, many hot-rod builders paint the floor body color with clear-coated pinstripes between the metal strips.
How long does the wood last?
With proper marine varnish, owners report 20–30 years of beauty even on daily-driven trucks.
Is the wood pre-drilled?
Yes, every hole is drilled and countersunk in the exact factory locations.
Where to Buy the Genuine BedWood 125114015 Kit in 2025
You can order directly from trusted retailers:
- Summit Racing – BedWood 125114015 (fast free shipping on orders over $109)
- JEGS – BedWood 125114015 (frequent coupon codes)
- Official BedWood website (sometimes back-ordered)
Conclusion
The BedWood 125114015 is more than just wood and bolts. It is the fastest, most authentic way to transform your 1954–1955.5 Chevy or GMC short-bed stepside from “tired” to “trophy winner.”
Whether you are a weekend warrior, a professional shop, or a serious collector, this classic truck bed restoration kit with hardware included delivers show-quality results every single time.
Ready to give your vintage GM truck the bed floor it deserves?
Which stain color are you planning for your 125114015 hickory planks — natural clear, dark walnut, or something custom? Drop your answer in the comments and let’s talk trucks!
References
- JEGS – Complete specs and customer photos https://www.jegs.com/i/Bed-Wood/582/125114015/10002/-1 ↩︎
- Summit Racing – Official product page for BedWood 125114015 https://www.summitracing.com/parts/bdw-125114015 ↩︎
