Bed bolts
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 40
Bed bolts
I have a '71 long bed F100. Is there a direct fit bolt set that is not the carriage bolt set it is on there with? I have some holes that have rounded out and the carriage bolts will not work right. If not, I will see what I can piece together. I think the current bed bolts are 7/16 inch.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,253
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Im in the same boat on my 72 f250. I have two holes that are a little messed up but fixable. I put poly cab/core bushings on the truck and they raise the whole front of the truck. I will have to make spacers first before the bed goes back on. The newer trucks have washers under the bed bolts instead of carriage bolts and they go directly into a fastener clipped to the frame from what I have seen in pics. They might work for you and Im not sure about the lengths and they are expensive. I seen different sets from 50-60 bucks but JY could be a good option.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 127
Likes: 40
A lot of the ones I have seen were M14 size. The holes would have to be drilled out a little. Mine is already painted and I would rather not have to touch up the holes if I don't have to. May come to that though.
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 14,255
Likes: 199
From: Phoenix, Az.
How about tack welding the bolts underneath? Just enough tacks to hold the bolt from spinning while tightening the nuts.
Or take a cutting wheel to the bolt head and form a slot for a screwdriver.
Or both.
Or take a cutting wheel to the bolt head and form a slot for a screwdriver.
Or both.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,253
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Tuned
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 127
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For now, that is what I have bought. Zinc plated grade 5 hex bolts. I need to get that bed out of my shop. I am going to keep looking for what I want.
Tuned
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 476
Likes: 91
From: Owen Sound Ontario
I see where you're coming from, the hex heads don't look great in the box.
To be honest I think every truck I have owned now has had them holding the box on though. The factory bolts are so expensive and really not that great, the ones from the 70's are better, the new ones with the torx head are useless. I have never had a single one screw out, had to torch all of them. I should mention that I've had the box off of all my trucks to install gooseneck hitches not always to do repairs, Ford FTW
To be honest I think every truck I have owned now has had them holding the box on though. The factory bolts are so expensive and really not that great, the ones from the 70's are better, the new ones with the torx head are useless. I have never had a single one screw out, had to torch all of them. I should mention that I've had the box off of all my trucks to install gooseneck hitches not always to do repairs, Ford FTW
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glenn7
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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May 31, 2021 12:00 PM