Assembling the bed, what hardware to use

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Dec 16, 2010 | 08:29 AM

tjdad62

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From: Colorado Springs

Assembling the bed, what hardware to use

For those of you who have disassembled your bed, what are you going to use to attach the bedsides to the front bed panel? I see that from the factory it used a sort of pinch weld/rivet setup. Will you use the same setup or go with stainless hardware to dress it up more? Also, my fron bed panel has a welded bead running along the very top and down the slope of the front end to help hold it together. I'm guessing that was not what the factory did, but possibly a previous owner? Is anyone else's like that? If it was a previous owners attempt to strengthen the top corners, they did a pretty nice job.

Dec 16, 2010 | 08:36 AM

dawolverine

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From: Weston-super-Mare (UK)

I MIG welded mine - I drilled appropriate size holes in the front panel lip, plug welded them and then ground the top back smooth. I don't personally like seeing extra bolts etc in this area, but should you ever want to take it all apart again it would be a lot easier with bolts/hardware

Dec 16, 2010 | 10:35 AM

leverhead

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Joined: Sep 2009

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I have the Mar-K bed front and sides. I also got thier stainless bolt kit for the bed assembly and thats what I'll be using for the same reason dawolverine mentioned. And I'll be looking for polished stainless button heads for the fenders too. Regards.

Dec 16, 2010 | 01:41 PM

Jag Red 54

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: Valley Center, CA

I used ss hex heads throughout. Very nice results, but remember to lube the threads so they don't gall, gaul, strip. Jag

Dec 16, 2010 | 01:53 PM

carnut122

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Joined: Dec 2008

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From: Waleska, GA

I'm using stainless hex heads, but I'm debating on whether or not to paint them too..

Dec 16, 2010 | 03:08 PM

CharlieLed

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From: Brentwood, TN

3M™ Automix™ Panel Bonding Adhesive, 08115

I use structural adhesive, better bond and super clean. I did weld the header panel at the top edge where it meets the roll of the bed side.

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