I want to sell my oak wood kit from mar-k, if anyone is interesting please pm me.

 

Mine look identical to this...did Ford use any rust-proofing back in the 1980's?

One of the side lips I have to fix

 

Rustproofing was a payable "option" but no, during assembly there was paint on the lip and that's it.

 

Even if they did use rust proofing remember that lip sat on top of wood that stays wet most of the time.
Dave - - - -

 

And, for the trucks that were higher in the back like mine, the water would sit in the front of the bed. I know that floor wouldn't exactly be water tight, but once all the cracks and crevices would get filled with dirt, it would puddle there, at least a little bit. Mine are in in worse condition up front.

 

I will not have that issue with the metal floor.
The front panel will be sitting on the metal floor ribs where it will be bolt on the raised ribs and water & crap can go out the lower ribs.
I will have to get a picture next time I have the panel in place as I have the bed taken apart for little more trimming and bottom painting.
Dave - - - -

 

Wow unobtanium prices indeed...looks like the 70's had the same bedsides??

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NOS-OEM-For...-/142454835373

 

Same bed, different fenders, I wonder if the '70's bolt pattern will accept a '80's fiberglass fender,

 

I doubt this is the case as the fenders are shaped different. I have one of each and can measure them tomorrow.

 

Yes, please do.
My guess is the '80's will not bolt-up.

 

They will not bolt up. The bed sides MAY be the same (shape) BEFORE they are drilled for the fenders. The 80 and up fenders are HUGE compared to the 79 and down.

 

You'd be selling this as a whole, right?
You wouldn't be willing to break it all down, would you?

 

Break it all down to ship or to part out?

 

I know this is old, but has anyone found a good looking solution for keeping the bed drained? I'm planning on using stainless hardware and bed strips, but if I just use marine grade plywood and rhino-line it, would that solve problems with water retention and rust? I'm in Florida, so water retention is a concern.

 

Why use plywood then cover it in bed liner?
If you are thinking water would not get between wood and bed side panels where the bolt up think again.
You also need to seal from the outside, look in at wheel openings and see the side panel and wood meet, that needs to be sealed also or water will get in between at that point.

I have a metal ribbed floor on my flare side and the ribs is lined but not the side panels and when driving in the rain I can see dirt getting it at that point.
Could I seal at the wheel areas? Yes I could but I don't drive it much in the rain if I can help it and I wash the truck often.
Also because of the ribbed floor the front panel dose not sit flush across the floor so water & dirt can be washed out.
Dave ----