Fleetside Bed Inner Rear Splash Shield Mounting?

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Hi Guys, I purchased a reproduction bed with a steel floor and am trying to fit the rear splash shields that mount behind the rear tires. The bedside has a weld nut for one of the mounting features but the bed floor brace only has through holes (see arrows). Should a weld nut have been used in these locations? Or am I missing something. Thanks for your help.

[randy500]

It never made sense to me but in that position gm used a 5/16 self tapping machine screw, it's about 5/8 to 3/4 inch long

[Old_Truck_Fan]

Originally Posted by randy500

It never made sense to me but in that position gm used a 5/16 self tapping machine screw, it's about 5/8 to 3/4 inch long

Thanks for the fast reply. I'm not a big fan of those self tapping deals either but if that's what they used I'll give it a try. Did the screw have a hex head or round head phillips?

[57taskforce]

I've only seen hex heads.

[randy500]

Agreed hex head for sure

[randy500]

The bolt is unique to that location and not used anyplace else. It also doesn't have an integrated washer like most bolts on the truck, but I do think a flat washer is under the bolt, I would have to go look to make sure.
I think you could take a regular 5/16 bolt like one from the front clip with integrated washer and use a cut off wheel to slice a cutting groove in the threads and it would bite into the sheet metal and tighten down.

[randy500]

And btw, I installed those splash shields last week in my new repro bed with a wood floor, it took an hour per side or so and they fit like crap...

[randy500]

I also test fitted a used original splash shield and it didn't fit any better, gap between shield and fenderwell

[toolboxchev]

Just gave an attempt to put mine back in after coating them. The holes are stripped out and I have to find a larger size diameter self taper.

Or if anyone has more thoughts on getting these in better??

Mine do not fit well either.

[randy500]

Originally Posted by toolboxchev

Just gave an attempt to put mine back in after coating them. The holes are stripped out and I have to find a larger size diameter self taper.

Or if anyone has more thoughts on getting these in better??

Mine do not fit well either.

If I had to fix that I would cut a 1/8" plate, drill holes and install J nuts,slip plate in crossmember

[toolboxchev]

Thats is a great idea. Will be getting them in soon!

[Old_Truck_Fan]

I was thinking those rivet nuts like the ones shown might be a good option instead of the self tapping bolts. I agree that the panels do not fit well. I have mine sectioned in three pieces and am trying to piece them back together.

[randy500]

Originally Posted by Old_Truck_Fan

I was thinking those rivet nuts like the ones shown might be a good option instead of the self tapping bolts. I agree that the panels do not fit well. I have mine sectioned in three pieces and am trying to piece them back together.

That is a good idea...some types of those you can set without a special tool too

[70STOVEBOLT]

Originally Posted by randy500

I also test fitted a used original splash shield and it didn't fit any better, gap between shield and fenderwell

Randy, what did you end up doing to make the fitment better? I have an aftermarket steel floor bed and am using original splash shields, but I have not gotten to that point yet. Thanks for any advice you can give.

Thanks,
Mark

[Mav]

Getting ready to paint lower panel on 70 K10 , two tone (white/blue/white). Anybody know how the rear inner splash shields were painted? If they were painted? Body color or?? thanks, Mav

[Peanut74]

I agree the shields are crazy. I had to use a stretcher and a BFH to contour it to match up. Sorry I can't remember if my bed rail had thread inserts or not.

[fun in dirt]

Originally Posted by Mav

Getting ready to paint lower panel on 70 K10 , two tone (white/blue/white). Anybody know how the rear inner splash shields were painted? If they were painted? Body color or?? thanks, Mav

I pulled a set off a green '71 C10 & they were just black.

QUOTE=Peanut74;8944397]I agree the shields are crazy. I had to use a stretcher and a BFH to contour it to match up. Sorry I can't remember if my bed rail had thread inserts or not.[/QUOTE]
YES crazy here too ... wonder if they are different for wood vs metal floored bed? They are OE I pulled from metal & not even close to fitting on wood.

[YellowK5]

Same here my C20 has them black/rusty