Just curious....how many of you know that the outer skins the SCrew's bed is fiberglass???

I just found out a couple of days ago myself

 

And did ya know the hood is either plastic or fiberglass also?

The truck bed is still metal though. Can you imagine how much the trucks would actually weigh if there were no composites on it?

 

The bed sides are definetly made out of composite plastic and the engine hoods are Aluminum. I've read that the new Chevy beds are and will be all plastic for 2004 that includes the bottom, sides and outer skins. Do you thinkl Ford will go this route?

 

Yep, the bedsides are fiberglass and the hood are aluminum.

 

Yep, found that out as well about 2 months ado.

I have a small crack in the skin right by the tailgate. So the next question is how would you ever fix it if it gets banged up pretty bad and cracks or breaks? Replace the entire bed?

 

The Sport Trac (Fords little SUT) has a total composite bed. Wouldn't be a bit surprised if some of the full size trucks arent built with them in the future. IMO, I don't see where they're very durable------specificaly for long term use!

 

Our 94 Aerostar has the Tailgate made out of the same stuff, We've had no problem with it and it gets a lot of use. The hinges are attached to the fibreglass and the are as tight as the day we got the Van. Several years ago my wife backed into a stand pipe guard, the Van metal was pushed in next to the gate, and the gate had minor gouges, but wasn't cracked. Our WaveRunners have hulls made out of the same stuff (S.M.C.), and I haven't cracked one from jumping waves, shattered two batteries, but the hulls and mounts are in exellent shape.

 

The bed outer sides are made from S.M.C. Same type of material (different thickness and formula) as used on Saturn, GM's first mini van, and Explorer Sport trak bed. Material is lighter and most resistant to dents, dings, light impacts and it will never rust. The material is only on the outer left and right skins that can be removed and replaced after an accident (same way they replace super or reg cab steel bed sides). Durability is better than steel. No worries about cargo in the bed, the inner walls are still steel.