How difficult is it to disassemble a bed for a swap...

[bandit0067]

Guys, my latest clunker refurbishment is 71 long bed. The bed itself has a good bit of rust and would need lots cutting out and metal replacement. But the side panels are perfect. I have a 69 bed that is rust free but side panels on both side are crunched beyond repair. How difficult is it to swap outer side panels. Looks like the tire wells unbolt as well as the side to front panel. But is there any spot weld or joint weld cutting needed for the rear to bed section. thanks.

[72tutone]

The rear of the bedsides at least on my 72 were welded to the floor in the corner.

Other than this, simple bolt off. That is, if your bolts are rusted so bad that you have to cut them off. Dont ask, I know. Every single one I had to cut off

[clay68c10]

There are a couple of welds on each side at the rear near the tailgate on the couple I've dealt with.

DO NOT even try to loosen the 8 million carriage bolts holding it together. Tighten them till they break. It is WAY easier. You also wont mess up the square carriage bolt head holes in the sheet metal.

The regular bolts with threaded inserts are worth soaking with penetrating oil and trying to remove. I prefer Kroil, but use whatever you like.

The 4 Phillips heads at the top of the front panel usually strip. If you X the heads with a cut off wheel, the heat from cutting tends to make the remnants come out easier.

[bandit0067]

Good info, thanks guys. Think I can handle this swap. Funny, I just sold the perfect bed I now need for this truck, last year.......dang.

[custom10nut]

I like "Clay68's" tip "just tighten them til they break".
I couldn't agree more.

[bandit0067]

I plan to use my lift to lift off the bed. I need to build a short rolling stand to support the bed , I am thinking about two feet high and about a three foot by five foot stand. Does that size sound about right.....thanks.