Bed Panels - How Difficult?
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New User
Joined: Jun 2011
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Bed Panels - How Difficult?
Hello Everyone,
I have an 1984 F150 styleside long bed that I have had since it was new. The bed wheel wells have rotted out badly. I am considering two alternatives:
1. Finding a replacement bed. I have a line on one for $450 that has some minor damage.
2. Replacing the entire 8' panel on each side using replacements from LMC truck.
My question is how difficult is is to do the panel replacement and what special tools may be required? I am not worried about how long it may take as I want the truck to look good again and last another 25 years or more.
The cab corners have also rusted out so I will be cutting out the cancer and putting in replacement parts there too.
Any suggestions you have would be appreciated!
I have an 1984 F150 styleside long bed that I have had since it was new. The bed wheel wells have rotted out badly. I am considering two alternatives:
1. Finding a replacement bed. I have a line on one for $450 that has some minor damage.
2. Replacing the entire 8' panel on each side using replacements from LMC truck.
My question is how difficult is is to do the panel replacement and what special tools may be required? I am not worried about how long it may take as I want the truck to look good again and last another 25 years or more.
The cab corners have also rusted out so I will be cutting out the cancer and putting in replacement parts there too.
Any suggestions you have would be appreciated!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: Texas
The easier and cheaper route is to find a rust free bed and go from there. Good, used beds will be cheaper than the cost of the replacement bedsides, while saving you many hours of labor. You can clean up the bed and get it ready for paint instead of repairing rust, so you're that much further ahead.
To replace the bed sides, you'll need a spot weld cutter. I use Blair Rotabroach cutters, they last forever. You'll need a good welder. MIG, TIG, or Gas, don't use a stick welder or flux-core welder. Hammers, dollies, locking pliers, panel clamps, levels, etc. It's not a hard job, but to do it right, you have to be thorough.
To replace the bed sides, you'll need a spot weld cutter. I use Blair Rotabroach cutters, they last forever. You'll need a good welder. MIG, TIG, or Gas, don't use a stick welder or flux-core welder. Hammers, dollies, locking pliers, panel clamps, levels, etc. It's not a hard job, but to do it right, you have to be thorough.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 8,521
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From: Lost
Also, the panels from LMC are said to be rather inferior to some of the others on the market. If you really want it to last like the originals did, might want to consider a different source if you decide to follow thru with the replacement panel route.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
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From: Virginia
I would check the "box" area under each taillight, and the U-shaped piece that goes across the back connecting the two "boxes" under each taillight together. If this has any rot in it, I would not waste any time or money on the bed you have. This area gives strength to the rear of the bed, and when it's gone, it's pretty much not fixable.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 733
Likes: 2
good to replace the panels if its damaged cosmetically, but if its rusted, odds are really that the support of the beds are also really rusted...
I'd love to believe that I could do it, but I really don't think I could, and I believe I can do anything...
I'd love to believe that I could do it, but I really don't think I could, and I believe I can do anything...
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 282
Likes: 1
From: Texas
