Does anyone have any tips for a rookie toassist in assembling my bed? My wood is finished and I'm ready to go. Thanks, Steve

 

I assembled my 55's off the frame. Started at one side and laid out the boards and strips side to side before inserting any bolts. Everything looked good so i put in the bolts and snugged up, not tight. h After putting the bed on the frame, had to drill a hole from underneath for the 4 large countersunk bolts and washers. Then used a rotary file in a grinder to countersink the holes to make the washers even with the surface.

 

I love the body colored bed strips in yours.

If I ever get to the body and paint (LOL).....I think I will do the same with mine.

 

I believe body colored strips were factory original.

 

I think so too. I am just used to see chrome ones all the time.

I like the body colored ones a lot more.

Mine are a combination of chrome spots, peeling black paint, and surface rust.

I will have to do some straightening too. They are bowed (not really bent).

 

Thanks Fking.What you're saying makes sense. Where did the holes you drilled come out in the box?

 

Do a THOROUGH test fit of ALL components before the first fastener is tightened, making sure all stip bolt holes line up with crossmember holes, alll boards and strips are flush and plumb, and that you don't end up with gaps or uneven tapers, etc..

 

cool, i know mine matched my exterior, of course that color was rust, so yeah

 

The holes for the factory bolts (same countersunk kind) are in the steel frame. I drilled from underneath the bed with a small drill, the finished from the top. The drilled holes came out exactly in the center of the boards same as factory.