So I purchased a new 8ft bed.
I bed takeoff back from 1994 ($800)
My question is where can I buy new bolts from a hardware store? Since I cut off the old ones. Ty

 

Hardware stores tend to not have automotive bolts....I am sure you could replace them with something similar from a hardware store though...


Autoparts stores and aftermarket stores should have them though...

 

I would feel confident with any USA made grade 8 bolt from a hardware store.

I have seen chinese shackles sheer at work do not trust foreign hardware when lives can depend on it.

 

Check ebay for suprduty take offs.

 

ok
what size bolts am i looking for if i head to the hardware store?

 

Listen to this guy.
I did the same thing last fall.

 

No idea the size bolt you need...most hardware stores have a board where you can check thread size and pitch on one you cut off...

 

Two options: SD bolt kit which is usually well over $100.

8 grade 8 1/2" bolts, washers and nuts. You need 4 long and 4 short. I don't recall the exact lengths. If no one chimes in, I can measure my old factory bolts. I paid like $20 at fastenall for mine.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-2015-Ford-Super-Duty-OEM-F-250-350-Pickup-Bed-Bolts-and-Clips-/271904268138?hash=item3f4ec1df6a&vxp=mtr $70


http://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-2014-Ford-Super-Duty-F250-F350-pick-up-bed-bolts-and-clips-NEW-TAKEOFFS-/131537692887?hash=item1ea041e8d7&vxp=mtr $60


Way, way easier to install also. No more crawlling under the truck to take the bed loose.

 

The problem with SD bed bolts is the clips like to brake then spin.

DO yourself a favor and get grade 8 bolts, flat washers and nylock nuts.

As for lengths, just measure the thickness of the bed and add 1"

 

Either way you'll end up needing a wrench on the bottom and top sides. At least with the SD bolts you have a chance.

 

I have yet to see OEM ford bolts with a built in nut.

YES, those pics show nuts but any I have seen in person have not had nuts and a good 80% brake

 

The problem with the OEM clips/nuts is they are not really nuts. They are soft metal designed to allow the bolt to cut threads into them. Look it up. That's great at the factory from an assembly standpoint. However, when you go to DIY or take it apart, you need air tools to actually get them moving; hence, the breakage. I'd much rather crawl under my truck with a wrench to hold a grade 8 nut still while a helper loosens 8 bolts than fight with trying to unstuck the super duty bolts (been there, done that!).

 

Finally!!. Someone else who has had to REMOVE them

 

I replaced mine with regular bolts from the hardware store just made sure they were long enough for my 3" body lift.