I haven't posted any progress pics in awhile and so I thought I would share what I am currently up to with my bed. I have done some extensive work on this bed and the final step I have is the rear fender bolts. The bed is 3 layers thick so I have some metal to work with so I opted to thread the bolt holes and use 5/16ths stainless bolts. I coated the threads with 3M 08115 panel adhesive (tried Loctite but even the strongest wasn't up ot the task) and screwed the bolts in until the backside was flush. After the adhesive is cured tomorrow I will grind a small recess over each bolt on the inside of the bed. When I am ready to install the fender I will cut off the bolt heads so that there will be just a stud showing. The inside of the bed side will be smoothed out and when painted will show no bolts.

 

Pretty nice work, Just looked at your build pictures of the cab....very nice, I was debating doing my firewall but decided not too. Never thought about panel bonding...I may have to rethink it this summer if I ever get back to her.....great work thanks for showing your build.

 

Nice! I assumed you would be welding 'em on....I never thought of panel adhesive. Let us know how it holds up.

It'll look fantastic with no bolts showing!

 

If I hadn't double-walled my bed I would never have had enough material to tap out to do it this way. Each hole passes through 3 layers of steel; the original 16 ga bed wall, a 14 ga spacer, and an 18 ga outer skin. It gives me close to a 1/4 inch of material for the threads. I was considering welding but I have too much work already done on the panel to risk the heat warpage and burning of the filler/primer. Another way to make this work would be to use the original flat headed bolts but instead of putting the bolt shank through the bed wall you place it on the outside of the wall and then weld the bolt through the square hole in the bed side. This technique requires a little finessing of the holes in the fender flange but it is also a good way to hide the bolts.

 

Nice job!

 

I got the inside bolt holes filled and the first coat of primer sprayed. A little more block sanding and it'll be ready for the color coat.

 

That really looks great! nice smooth bedsides!

 

Very nice!

 

Wow, that's lookin' really good!!

 

You are one very talented Guy, I could only dream of work of this caliber. (PS thanks again for your past help)

 

very nice charlie