Certainly don't make a trip just for this random person on the internet, but it would be incredibly nice of you if while you were down there you took a look at the bed for me. I appreciate the help even just giving me the info so far.

 

not a stranger man. Ford friend. I'll get down there Monday morning.

 

We're all friends here Ford Family

 

Hey Steve.
Just got back from the junk yard. Scoped out 3 beds!

First the blue 79

















No rust but does need some bodywork. Few dents here and there. Was in a major wreck for sure.

Second 73-77 f150 explorer









Didn't see any rust here. No dents I could find, but the accordion bulk head needs work.

Last the ranger xlt bed full of tire on the floor.





Not much to say here. Can't see much.

My best bet would be the orange explorer bed. Rather replace a bulk head than do a lot of body work.

 

Thanks for taking the time to get pictures, Brad. I am delayed in seeing them because I had to go out of town for work last minute this week.

I agree that the Explorer looks the best overall. It does look like there are some holes up where the bed floor and bulkhead meet, which is the main problem that my existing bed has. I think that would be a challenge along with the fact that it doesn't have two gas tank holes like mine does.

I'll show the pictures to my body man (my dad) to see what he thinks.

Did you find anything good for your interior?

 

The bed you have seems a lot better than any of those beds your looking at. So much effort and expense to get a junkyard bed, when you can just buy the patch panels and fix the rusted out areas. Not understanding this search.

David

 

I don't think the fenders are a tough fix. My problem is the bed floor, particularly up front where the floor and bulkhead come together. I'll try to get some pictures of the inside later.

I am by no means a body guy, but more than one person has told me "do yourself a favor and find a complete bed rather than fix this". They make it seem like patching won't hold up. They perhaps don't realize that finding a complete bed in better shape than mine is a pretty hard thing to do.

 

Nah. Got a spring for the parking brake handle tho. So I have a functioning parking brake now