'nother bed question
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Joined: May 2002
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'nother bed question
The front bed panel of my '53 is severely dented with a few rust holes to boot. I know that the usual vendors sell replacement panels but I would like to try and cut, brake, and weld one myself. (I'm cheap) My question: is the front bed panel one whole unit with the top "cross member" or does the sheet metal separate from this piece?
thx
thx
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2002
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From: Ventura County, CA
'nother bed question
Doesn't matter. If you're cutting out the rusted parts and replacing with new. Once you cut out the rust you will be able to see what connects where and is supported how. then you can decide if you want to add support crossmembers.
Good luck,
Daryl
Good luck,
Daryl
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
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From: Iowa
'nother bed question
The lower panel breaks rearward at the top, and becomes the lower portion of the cross member. If you can reuse your upper portion, it would be do-able. A little time consuming but it might be worth the effort if you are on a severe budget. If you can't re-use the upper crossmember, it would be very difficult to fab it correctly in a reasonable amount of time. I have seen new panels for sale for $100 recently. The front panel has to be correct or the entire bed will be screwed up.
If I were faced with that budget constraint, and had a decent crossmember, I would just put a rectangular piece of 18 GA right over top of the old panel, on the inside of the bed. It wouldn't be too noticable at all. Then you could do it right later if you chose, and won't have a month of time invested in a panel that doesn't fit well.
If I were faced with that budget constraint, and had a decent crossmember, I would just put a rectangular piece of 18 GA right over top of the old panel, on the inside of the bed. It wouldn't be too noticable at all. Then you could do it right later if you chose, and won't have a month of time invested in a panel that doesn't fit well.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: chicopee us
'nother bed question
I made my new one in two pieces. The large flat section is one piece and the top is a seperate piece. I made the flat panel 1/2" taller than needed. It was then slipped inside of the top channel and blind welded together (through 1/4" holes).
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 196
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From: chicopee us
'nother bed question
I think the only concern for the front panel is that it be square. This will ensure that the side panels stand up correctly.
If you are having the pieces sheared and bent it should be no problem to ensure they are square. If you are trying to bend them yourself....goodluck, unless you have access to a BIG brake. Bending a seam 4 feet long even on 16 gauge takes quit a bit of power. I used a local sheet metal fab company, just supplied them with some drawings I made and a couple days and about $300 later I had all of the pieces for my new bed. I'm not sure what gauge the originals are but I had my new ones bent from 14 gauge....nice and sturdy.
If you are having the pieces sheared and bent it should be no problem to ensure they are square. If you are trying to bend them yourself....goodluck, unless you have access to a BIG brake. Bending a seam 4 feet long even on 16 gauge takes quit a bit of power. I used a local sheet metal fab company, just supplied them with some drawings I made and a couple days and about $300 later I had all of the pieces for my new bed. I'm not sure what gauge the originals are but I had my new ones bent from 14 gauge....nice and sturdy.
