Bed Rust
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Guston KY
Bed Rust
OK here is another question to all you who have tackled a restoration on these trucks. My truck has developed rust over the rear fender wells, and it is pretty severe at least in my opinion. Would it be better to try and find a whole bed that is relatively rust free, or use patch panels? I can weld, but have never welded sheet metal. My truck is black, so it will make a crappy job really apparent. My front fenders also are developing bubbles on the bottom behind the wheel well. New fenders or again, patch them? My plans for the truck is not for it to be totally perfect, and I will be keeping the truck from now on, so I want the best job I can do. Thank you all for your help.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 731
Likes: 6
From: Jonesborough, TN
I would go with patch panels, because a rust free bed is going to be difficult to find and probably not cheap. There is an excellent welding tutorial over in the 48-56 Forum by AXRacer at:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-practice.html
For the most part it is getting the panel cut to size, and then stitch welding it in, and grinding the welds flat. Heat control is key so you don't warp the panels.
Get a couple pieces of sheet metal about the same thickness as your patch panel, and practice stitching them together, then go to work for real. Take your time, spread the tacks out and work slowly. Control the heat when grinding down the tacks, as well, taking your time and not staying in one place for very long. Then a bit of body filler, guide coat and a long board should allow you to get a really good looking job even with a black truck. Good luck.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-practice.html
For the most part it is getting the panel cut to size, and then stitch welding it in, and grinding the welds flat. Heat control is key so you don't warp the panels.
Get a couple pieces of sheet metal about the same thickness as your patch panel, and practice stitching them together, then go to work for real. Take your time, spread the tacks out and work slowly. Control the heat when grinding down the tacks, as well, taking your time and not staying in one place for very long. Then a bit of body filler, guide coat and a long board should allow you to get a really good looking job even with a black truck. Good luck.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Keavy, KY
Yep, patching isn't a godawfully difficult task. But it's VERY easy to get just a bit too hot and warp the metal.
I'd say that patching would be best because finding rust free beds for these trucks is almost impossible. As for fenders, I'd say you could find some in good shape that may need some slight massaging.
I'd say that patching would be best because finding rust free beds for these trucks is almost impossible. As for fenders, I'd say you could find some in good shape that may need some slight massaging.
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
Likes: 2,741
From: Virginia
It depends on where you live sometimes as far as availability of a good used bed, so I would at least check around for a good used bed first.
If you patch yours, make sure you look at the rear lower corners of the bed, there is a brace there that likes to collect dirt and they rust out there also. You may be able to clean it out and paint it to stop it. There is another brace on the lower front corner of the rear wheel well that does the same thing, only they have to be very rusty for it to start there.
If you patch yours, make sure you look at the rear lower corners of the bed, there is a brace there that likes to collect dirt and they rust out there also. You may be able to clean it out and paint it to stop it. There is another brace on the lower front corner of the rear wheel well that does the same thing, only they have to be very rusty for it to start there.
Thread Starter
|
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Guston KY
Thanks for the advice. I may be going with the patch panels after all. I live around Louisville KY, and every time it rains in the winter it seems they roll out the salt and brine trucks, so most of our model trucks have that rot above the fender wells. I guess I can use my truck as a learning experience, because it will be driven daily in all weather, so it doesnt have to be concours perfect. Just want her to look nice and preserve it for the coming years.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Keavy, KY
Another Kentuckian! Yep. Good luck finding a good bed haha. I have the cleanest bed I've seen in my area. And there are a LOT of bullnose trucks here.
I have slight rust are the fender wells and that's it. Bed floor is solid. I think I got lucky though.
I have slight rust are the fender wells and that's it. Bed floor is solid. I think I got lucky though.
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 978
Likes: 1
From: Covington VA
Seriously order a catalog from LMCtruck.com. its free and has about everything but a frame and cab in it. Off hand i could redo almost my entire body for around 1600 bucks. You may could piece other places together for the same or cheaper but its a great info source.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: Normandy,TN
I have seen a couple decent ones down at the local pick-n-pulls here in TN. They typically run 200 bucks. The fenders are easy to find in decent shape and they cost 40 bucks. I had to find a set of them and doors recently.
Fleet Owner
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 21,437
Likes: 76
From: Gilbert, PA
I would get a GOOD use set of fenders(not worth patching a $50 fender)
For the bed, GET BED SKINS. They can be changed in a weekend, are alot less work than a patch panel and it will be fixed RIGHT
For the bed, GET BED SKINS. They can be changed in a weekend, are alot less work than a patch panel and it will be fixed RIGHT
Elder User - What???
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 714
Likes: 1
From: Moore, OK
If you patch yours, make sure you look at the rear lower corners of the bed, there is a brace there that likes to collect dirt and they rust out there also. You may be able to clean it out and paint it to stop it. There is another brace on the lower front corner of the rear wheel well that does the same thing, only they have to be very rusty for it to start there.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
diggerrigger
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Nov 2, 2017 04:49 PM