Front bed panel
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Front bed panel
As most of you who own these trucks know, the front of the bed rots out from holding dirt and water since there were no provisions for drainage. Once the floor rots, the front panel isn't far behind.
I had planned on fabricating (or having someone do this for me) a new panel but then had an interesting thought:
Would a newer panel from 67-79 be an easier modification? Anyone ever give it much thought? I would think that only the edges might need trimming or extending, the top lip should be similar and the bottom lip can be modified.
If you have one of the newer beds, could you get some dimensions and we can compare the two to see how and if it would work.
I had planned on fabricating (or having someone do this for me) a new panel but then had an interesting thought:
Would a newer panel from 67-79 be an easier modification? Anyone ever give it much thought? I would think that only the edges might need trimming or extending, the top lip should be similar and the bottom lip can be modified.
If you have one of the newer beds, could you get some dimensions and we can compare the two to see how and if it would work.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,565
Likes: 9
From: Sun River St. George
Front bed panel
I am sure that would work. I considered using a newer bed, say 85 or so and installing the 66 fenders (Style Side). At PF last week I saw a Style Side with wood floor sitting on 1 inch square tubing for cross pieces. Looked good!
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 589
Likes: 2
From: Crossroads of America-Ind
Front bed panel
I don't know if you have a Styleside or a Flareside, but if it's a 64 / 66 Styleside, I had to repair mine also. I made a patch panel out of the same gauge metal as the bed to weld in and repair the rusted areas. It was real easy to make with the aid of a sheetmetal brake. (You could get one bent up cheap) I have the dimensions as well as some pictures in my gallery for anybody that needs them. Measure the damaged area on your bed to make sure this one would go up and back far enough to replace the rusty portions. If not just make it a little larger.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...d=3912&width=0
Good luck,
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...d=3912&width=0
Good luck,
Last edited by CustomCab4x4; May 24, 2003 at 12:54 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Front bed panel
Good Info Phil.
But I am curious about the later styleside beds being useable. I want the ridges in the front of the bed like OEM. If you use flat steel, the front of the bed will not have the strenghth like the original unless you pay to have the ridges puit in as well.
But I am curious about the later styleside beds being useable. I want the ridges in the front of the bed like OEM. If you use flat steel, the front of the bed will not have the strenghth like the original unless you pay to have the ridges puit in as well.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 589
Likes: 2
From: Crossroads of America-Ind
Front bed panel
The rust in mine didn't go all the way up to the ribs. (maybe 1.5" to 2") The patch panel I made only went up to just below the ribs. I'm glad it didn't go higher or I would have had to cut a piece out of my old original bed. Course, if yours is bad up that high you'd need to get a "correct" panel. Otherwise that panel will fix it. Good luck,
Take a look here to see what I mean.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...d=1684&width=0
Take a look here to see what I mean.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/user_gal...d=1684&width=0
Last edited by CustomCab4x4; May 28, 2003 at 11:12 AM.
Thread Starter
|
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 2
From: Texas
Front bed panel
Mine is far worse than that. Good job fixing it though.
If anyone else has there bed off from a mid to early seventies truck, lets compare dimensions to see if they would work. I'm not overly concerned with the ribs being exactly the same but as long as a liitle trimming is all that is needed.
I figure since the beds are similar in width and height, the front panel can't be much different.
If anyone else has there bed off from a mid to early seventies truck, lets compare dimensions to see if they would work. I'm not overly concerned with the ribs being exactly the same but as long as a liitle trimming is all that is needed.
I figure since the beds are similar in width and height, the front panel can't be much different.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tontokowalski13
WTB - Parts & other
4
Aug 25, 2015 11:50 AM
