I'm going to get a bed from a 1972 F250 this weekend but I have to remove it myself. I was hoping someone could tell me what tools to bring and any tips. I'll bring strong help, lol. I don't have one at home to look at. Thanks in advance.

 

A ratchet with a 3/4" socket, a 3/4" wrench, and PBblaster.

 

Cutting torch, ropes and helicopter.

 

I like your style!

 

Thanks Garrett ☺

 

I also had to use a 4" grinder on some of the bolts

Oh yeah......don't forget to bring a couple ratchets and the big persuader bar. I remember snapping some of the bolts off.

 

You'll have to be carful that you don't spin the carriage bolts as they are only held with short in depth as is just thin sheet metal cubes welded in the under side in place.

Since those bolts have mushroom type head it's hard to hold the rounded heads and turn the under side nut at the same time.

I was able to get a pair of vise-grips or a small pipe wrench and brace it to not turn when, I turned the lower nut. I did this back in 1978 so can't remember which wrench, I used but those would be what, I'd use.

I almost cut a slot for a flat end of a tire iron lug wrench to hold it, but how would, I hold it & turn the nut on the under side.

Removing old nuts & bolts there seems to always be one bolt or nut that gives you trouble.. So be prepared for anything.
Orich

 

There are two hidden bolts back by the bumper, otherwise it's pretty easy.

 

Thanks, this gives me a pretty good idea of what I need. I'll start with finesse and will resort to brute force if needed.

 

If you have a oxy/acetylene torch it would be a good idea to have it with you.

 

If you don't have oxygen/acetylene torch try using MAPP gas. It works a lot better than regular propane.

 

You can handle it by yourself if have to. I have removed them from the chassis and moved them where needed by myself. As long as you are not dropping it letting an end go to the ground and resting it upright does not bend anything. Having help is better.

By placing wood in the bed holes you can flip a bed upside down on top of another and it will ride anywhere.


John

 

Also take a wire brush and wd 40 to clean and lube bolts.

 

Definitely bring something to cut old rusted bolts off...just took the bed off my truck and a couple of bolts had to be cut off.

 

At first I try the underneath approach with wrenches. You have to like pull downwards as you go on the nuts (like with a socket wrench) to keep the mushroom heads on top from turning.

Another sure option to accomplish this by yourself is to use a die grinder on the mushroom heads til they are down to the squares. Be super careful to not get into the meat of the bed though. Then raise the bed enough and wedge with wood to cut the bolts with a sawzall for they still won't go through the bottom portion of the bed. You got like 2"-3" to work with. This is about the only way by yourself when they start turning besides a hot wrench (torch)...

If you can just get a grinder (or torch) underneath to cut the bolts works better but tight quarters under there! at least with a bump side you ain't staring at a gas tank...

The rear 2 bolts can be cut underneath if they don't free up.

The best approach I've found to remove a bed by myself with minimal damage is to the side. It's still a back and forth process. This is where another hand is REAL handy...

Then when it's off, flip it upside down and take you some round stock (like 8 pieces) and do the ole Egyptian Roll to move it. 4" pvc works great but I use the 4" round fence posts cut up into 1-2' lengths.