Bed Panel Replacement

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Sep 19, 2017 | 05:48 PM

4fords

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 189

Likes: 12

From: Minnesota

Bed Panel Replacement

I have a "extra" 80-86 long bed. Has anyone ever put 73-79 outer bed panels on a 80-86 bed? Looking at part numbers, the inner panels are the same all the way through 96. Is it as easy as removing the 80-86 sides and welding on the 73-79 panel?

Sep 19, 2017 | 11:06 PM

77&79F250

Moderator & parts slinger

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 50,247

Likes: 5,815

From: S/W Missouri, Polk county

Correct that up to a 96 bottom and header panel are the same. So I have read on here anyway.

Panel removal help thread. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...made-easy.html

Sep 20, 2017 | 07:52 AM

1320stang

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 765

Likes: 13

From: Edmond, OK

If I recall correctly, you have to use the '73-'79 rear stake pockets that the tailgate attaches to.

Sep 20, 2017 | 08:40 AM

ddepumpo

Cross-Country

Joined: Jun 2017

Posts: 82

Likes: 1

Interesting timing with this question. I recently purchased a 74 short bed ... 4 of the 8 bolts that attach the bed don't line up with the holes in the frame rails. The front and middle pairs of bolts are about 3/4 inch outboard (maybe inboard, can't remember) from the frame holes. After scratching my head for a while, I contacted the seller, and he said that the floor/deck was from a 1980 short bed. He didn't realize that they didn't line up until he was putting it back together. FWIW, he did a nice job putting the bed together, as I wouldn't have known until I realized the holes didn't line up.

That said, I don't know if long beds have this problem. In my case, since the bed is painted so nicely, I haven't decided whether to drill new holes. I also realize there is a support sleeve in the bed frame rail where the bolts are.