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Not that I am anywhere near this stage ( I havent even begun to tear mine apart yet) But I was wondering if any of you guys have ever reassembled your beds or assembled new ones. I notice Ford has rivets that holds the front corner together. (Where theside panel meets the head panel) I was wondering how I might accomplish a clean look like that when I put my bed back together.
38 Coupe shares a good source for fastners. I used rosette welds for a no-fastner, clean look. There's a picture in my photo gallery (see the '41 project) where you can see how I used those on the stake pockets and front panel. I welded the front panel, inside flange to the side bed panel. Was a real chore to get everything lined up and held in place... used lots of Clecos on the front / side panels. All-in-all, I was pretty happy with the results. Good luck!
Not that I am anywhere near this stage ( I havent even begun to tear mine apart yet) But I was wondering if any of you guys have ever reassembled your beds or assembled new ones. I notice Ford has rivets that holds the front corner together. (Where theside panel meets the head panel) I was wondering how I might accomplish a clean look like that when I put my bed back together.
I'm in the process of putting a bed kit together for my 40 Ford pickup. I think I will be spot welding most of mine.
Mj40's, just curious about the manufacturer of the kit your using and if assembly is going as you expected? Looks like the frame from Mack Hils -- that's what I assembled and there were some challenging moments. By the way, your assembly looks good so far!
Mj40's, just curious about the manufacturer of the kit your using and if assembly is going as you expected? Looks like the frame from Mack Hils -- that's what I assembled and there were some challenging moments. By the way, your assembly looks good so far!
It is a Mack Hils. No instructions, so looking for any hints. I had to move the gas tank forward 1" to center the gas fill inlet.
Where did you get the gas tank from and how do you plan on running the exhaust? Where is the fill neck going to be located at? That kinda looks like what I am thinking of doing for mine.
What frame are you using on it? (The truck frame)
The gas tank is a poly tank from "Tanks Inc.". The filler comes out the drivers side and located in the stock position in the fender. With the air bag assist, I'm still looking for a place to run the exhaust. Maybe under the rear end and out the back. I really don't like the wheel barrow rear exit exhaust look. The frame is a 39 car frame and using a 46 cab with 40 sheet metal. The frames are the same from 35 to 40 and 41 in pickups. All you do is remove the side body mounts for the car bodies.
It is a Mack Hils. No instructions, so looking for any hints. I had to move the gas tank forward 1" to center the gas fill inlet.
Yes, I really don't get the 'no instructions' thing. You'd think for all the money being put out for the bed kit, they'd at least take the time to give the buyer some help with assembly. I know it's not rocket science, but geez! Even a rough drawing would have been nice. I'll sure help by sharing my experience if needed.
Anyway, I recall the whole effort as an adventure of sorts.... lots of measuring, especially when constructing the wooden sub frame, and a few other little tricks, like welding some short pieces of 1" square tube to the inside walls of the rear crossmember to hold its shape for positioning and welding to the stake pocket sides, etc. Here's how it all turned out.
When doing a couple of 1950's beds I assembled them upside down using rivets where they should be. Working on wood horses it was very easy to clamp together. Pete