Would appreciate any tips on removing the bed from '53-'56 F100's. I know there are 4-6 bolts holding the bed down but are the "bed cross members" part of the frame or bed?

 

take those bolts off and it should just slide off.

swanny

 

i have the bed off my 49.
but make sure you have extra help on lifting it off.
those puppies are heavy.
so was my 89 that i preped and had painted.

swanny

49 ford f-1
89 ford f-150

 

You should have braces from the rear of the rear fenders to the frame that must be taken off and the bolts connecting the running boards to the rear fenders must also be removed. The bed is alot less bulky and easier to handle if the fenders and tailgate are also removed from the box. Get three other people to help, have saw horses ready to place the box on once removed. Good luck and be careful.

 

Nice to live on a farm. Just started up the tractor hooked some chains on the bed a lifted it off. Did the same with the cab and engine.

Nathan

 

Amen, brother Nathan!!Got a gin pole hook up to my classic '63 Massey 35 Special. If I could just teach the angus bull or one of the cows to use a sandblaster.....................

 

The crossmembers should be part of the frame. To make sure though, crawl up under there and have a look!!! The crossmembers should be welded to the frame. Once you remove the bed bolts, elecrical wires to the rear lights, etc, it should come off. Be sure to trace any tube or cable runs that might be clipped or screwed onto the bed. Once you start taking the bed off the frame, do it at first in 6" to 12" at a time, checking to make sure nothing else is still attached. Check and DOUBLE CHECK... it's worth your time, believe me!

Good luck,
DS

 

I replaced 4 bolts that bolted thru the bed crossmembers with eye bolts, used my cherry oicker to lift it off and re-install it. Worked great, I did put a blanket between cab and bed on re-install.