So I have a 1988 Dodge Ram D100 with a long bed single cab and I’m looking for a good drop in bed liner but I can’t see to find any. Is there even any drop in bed liners out there or should I just take one from another truck. And I’m also wondering if the 1st Gen Dakota would also be the same bed as I can find bed liners for the Dakota. Thanks a lot

 

I’m pretty certain the Dakota will have a smaller box. Have you considered a spray in bed liner?

 

Yes but I’d just rather have a drop in bed liner

 

Not really a fan of the drop-in liners. They tend to trap moisture, dirt, and other unpleasant things between the liner, and the bed, and the bed rusts out pretty quick.

 

I saw some available when drop in liners were first introduced. I haven't seen one in years. It's even getting hard to find drop in's for 2nd gen beds. I don't care for the plastic liners as stuff slides around in them. Add in that they rub the paint off in the bed leading to rust, I took the one out of my '96. The truck was heavily weathered but under the liner, where the paint was left looked like new. There was a lot of rust though where the paint was worn off.

I'd used a paint in liner, like I plan when the weather breaks for good or use a rubber mat. Those leave the paint visible on the sides and stuff doesn't slam the front bed panel if you stop fast.

 

Alrighty thanks. I’ll have to get a quote on what a spray in bed liner will cost

 

There are some home kits available that roll on like paint. If you're careful, you can get good results with a roller and brush. I painted my truck with a roller and with the exception of a neighborhood cat that fell asleep on the hood after priming, and got stuck, it came out pretty good.


When I got the truck

Cleaned up, rust fixed and the truck primed

Color coat and all the stuff bolted back on.


It just takes time, patience and watching what you do. The weather changed before I could line the bed.

 

Im in the other camp - love the drop-in liners; hate the spray in. The spray in doesn't stop dents and wallowing between the cross ribs; impossible to slide anything on.

I had to find mine (genuine dodge one) in a used truck and had some heat damage. A ford one almost fits - inner fenders need to be sectioned down smaller.

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