So I’m removing the wood bed planks, and for the life of me, I can’t find the correct tool anywhere to remove the four bed to frame bolts. Can anyone help me with the name/correct tool sold anywhere today, to remove these four bolts from yesteryear?

i know I could cut heads or weld nuts to the tops, but I’d like to be able to install the new set when I re-install the refinished boards with the new set of bolts, and having the correctly fitting tool for the install would be great.

This is one of the four culprits

 

IIRC I used a piece of square stock, like 1" long and an 8 point socket. If badly rusted, it will be a 2 man operation with a "hot knife"-oxy/acet underneath on the nuts.

 

Can't you just use a 1/4" ratchet ?

 

I was thinking that it was larger than 1/4"

 

Tried the 1/4” ratchet, and it is to small. Slips and spins. I measured with a digital micrometer and it's .3065”.

I am about to head up to a Harbor Freight Tools that’s just down the street. Hopefully find what’s needed there. If not, may stalk a local Snap On or Matco Tool truck to see if they have anything available. Lol

 

I used a short 3/8" extension. Ground the end down to fit the hole. Simple. Yours look pretty crusty. I'd cut them off at the bottom if they don't want to budge.

 

Take a 3/8 extension & grind the end to fit.

 

I will hit the Harbor Freight first, then option two will be the 3/8 extension, and last option will be cutting them off from the underside (amazing how much easier access is with the four boards already removed. Might go ahead and replace the rear shocks and the seal on the rear end while I have the bed panels out, just to make things easier.

 

x3

I doubt you'll find the exact size socket anywhere, let alone HF. So while you're there, pick up a cheap, 4" 3/8 drive extension so you're not wasting one of your good ones and trim it to size.

 

It’s 5/16” and there are “pipe plug sockets” that fit it perfectly
here is a set

 

I should have asked about this like, idk, 9 months ago, lol. I drilled & cut the crap out of mine bc I couldn't get anything to fit. Good to know for next time! I have a running list of like 50 Things Not To Do Again once I get to my next project, a '54 for the wife.

 

SUCCESS!!!

Quick trip to Harbor Freight, a new 3/8 extension and a new bench grinder (didn’t have one of those in this garage). Took less than five minutes to grind down the 3/8 extension, exact fit on the old bolt head, and off she came with little to no effort. Now for the remaining three, and its wood refinish time.

Thanks for the suggestions, this site is awesome!!

 

Thanks Taymo, your post came thru when I was out picking up the grinder. Depending upon how well the remaining three remove, ill decide if I going to add a set of those to my tool chest. Nice to know the name and where to buy if I decide to go that route, but for today, the 3/8 extension grinder down option seems to have this round.

 

Didn't think the,pipe plug socket 25 years ago, better option if you can find one. Grinding the extension works but it weakens the tip, good to do what you need and then toss it out.

 

All four bolts are out and wrapped the extension with some blue painters tape, so I don’t pull it our and try using with any regular sockets. It will go into the bottom drawer and probably never be used again, as I will order the set of Snap On pipe plug sockets for the new bol install.

A little off topic, but what do other use on new wood install for gasket material that goes between the wood and the metal cross members and under the bed sides on the outer bed wood slats? I’ve seen mentioned and sold the cork material, but was wondering for longevity about using rubber 1/16” thick. Is there any disadvantage to using rubber? I’m just guessing the cork was all that was really known /m available back in the day, but there could be some other reason I am just not thinking of. I am not concerned with high end show requirements, just wondering if there are any potential problems with using rubber instead of cork.

Also, all bolts are now removed except for a few side ones. Is there anything I need to do for holding up the bed sides when the last few bolts are removed and the two outer wood pieces are slid out? I am not seeing anything that looks like its going to come crashing down and apart, but maybe I’m missing something that I should be cautious of.