Bed mounting Bolts
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,993
Likes: 15
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Working on my own stuff in my "spare" time all the time means I am in the shop by myself 99.9% of the time. Getting used to this has led me to some "interesting" ways to do certain tasks. It can get a little scary at times but it keeps me alert and strong so I'm ok with it!
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
Weld a nut on the top of it so you can get it out , then replace it w a regular bolt
Save the old ones
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 666
Likes: 4
From: Boyne Mich
As Mike pointed out the original bolts are more than your run of the mill carriage bolts. The square is both longer and larger than the ole hardware store carriage bolts. However, they will work.
As for using hex headed bolts, they work too. Just don't unload that dirt with a flat shovel or your nutz might get a poke from the handle when it catches a bolt head.
As for using hex headed bolts, they work too. Just don't unload that dirt with a flat shovel or your nutz might get a poke from the handle when it catches a bolt head.
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
I guess what I was looking for is 1/2" x 3", or 7/16" x 5", etc... I have no idea what the original bolt size was since I never had the original box on my truck, just the wooden flat bed. I'm sure I could figure out something that would work, just thought it would be easier to hear from someone who has already replaced theirs with standard bolts (instead of the stock carriage bolts). Anyone?
Hotshot
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
The originals were 1/2"-13 on the size, can't help on the length right now. I won't be home for another 3 1/2 weeks so I can't measure the ones I have but I believe they are around 3" long.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,326
Likes: 48
From: Middle TN
I don't think it's a good idea to use standard carriage bolts instead of the original bed bolts. The original bolts are much tougher. I think they are grade 5, plus the head and square shank is much larger adding to its strength. Hardware store carriage bolts would be grade 2.
In a accident the bed could pop off the carriage bolt heads or pull the head through the large square holes in the sheet metal..
Grade 5 hex heads with a washer would solve the safety problem but set up a little high for sliding cargo in without snagging.
When I'm in the wrecking yard looking for parts I carry a 3/4" socket just in case I run across some good bed bolts. Most are rusty.
In a accident the bed could pop off the carriage bolt heads or pull the head through the large square holes in the sheet metal..
Grade 5 hex heads with a washer would solve the safety problem but set up a little high for sliding cargo in without snagging.
When I'm in the wrecking yard looking for parts I carry a 3/4" socket just in case I run across some good bed bolts. Most are rusty.
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