Folks the front of the bed on my truck has some significant holes in it and has slid a little forward so it rubs against the cab. The previous owner had patched it up and put fiberglass to even out everything. I am considering my options to repair it. I have been unable to find a decent replacement bed.
This is not a show truck so I was considering removing the bed mount bolts and sliding it back. 1st QUESTION WHAT DO I NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR; WIRING HARNESS...WHERE TO DISCONNECT?

I am looking at just sliding it back, sandblasting the whole thing, putting Corroless or primer over it all and then trying to put together some kind of patch 2nd QUESTION WHAT TO PATCH IT WITH?

I would then either put professional sprayed-in Rhinoliner or amateur painted on (by me) Gatorliner from Eastwood on top of the repair. I was planning on undercoating the entire bed in the hope that these actions would prevent any future rust.

What do you guys think? Please send your suggestions.

Thanks! Brian

brainep(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

http://www.ford-trucks.net/users/1965f250/

 

Did your bed slide forward, or have the rear cab supports settled, causing the cab to tilt slightly back? The bed uses metal crossmembers to support itself and attach to the frame. You can look under the rear area, unplug the wiring harness from each tailight harness. The brake lines run inside the frame rail, the emergency brake central setup should be removed with care to get it out of the way. If a replacement bed is unavailable and to patch the bed floor at a reasonable cost, I would find another junk 64-66 truck bed in a wrecking yard and cut out sections of it's floor so you can piece in places where there is damage. If you have a shortbed, have you thought of replacing it with a up-thru 1979 stepside bed?? I'm not a fan of the spray in liners, like the look of the metal or wood myself. But if you like it, make sure you don't plug the front drain holes when applying! Good luck with your truck!

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 28-Oct-01 AT 05:53 PM (EST)[/font][p]Brian, if it's a styleside bed you can have a patch panel made at a sheet metal shop. I had to make one for mine too. I have a drawing of what you'd need. If you want it drop me a line. You would have have to pull the bed to put this in. It has to be welded. Paint it with POR-15 and forget it. Phil


Rice should be eaten...not driven

 

Thanks Phil. I didn't see your e-mail address on your post. Can you please send the info on the patch to me at BrainEP(No Email Addresses In Posts!)

Thanks, Brain

 

Pretty cool, I said drop me a line then didn't give an address. Duh! I'll send it to ya. Phil



Rice should be eaten...not driven