Bed Removal
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,696
Likes: 1
From: S.W. Florida
Bed Removal
I need to remove the bed of my 55 to paint the cab. Is there a resource I can click to illustrate the process? I plan to leave all boards in place and just stand the bed on its nose in the shop. Sound plausible?
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
Good to see that you are still around Jim! If your bed is mounted in a stock configuration, then it's just a matter of removing the bolts that pass through the bed floor and lifting the bed straight up. Of course you will need to disconnect any wiring to the lights as well. I use a cherry picker to lift it, so it can be done as a 1-man job but having a helper to guide it helps as well.
EDIT: sill bolts as well...I've been on the darkside too long I guess.
EDIT: sill bolts as well...I've been on the darkside too long I guess.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 984
Likes: 437
From: South Dakota
Good to see that you are still around Jim! If your bed is mounted in a stock configuration, then it's just a matter of removing the four bolts that pass through the bed floor and lifting the bed straight up. Of course you will need to disconnect any wiring to the lights as well. I use a cherry picker to lift it, so it can be done as a 1-man job but having a helper to guide it helps as well.
Also don't forget to disconnect the tail light wiring, and if the rear fenders are still on the bed, the bolt from the running boards to the fender will also need to be removed (on each side).
Jim
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,035
Likes: 330
From: Waterford, VA. USA
I removed the bed by myself using a cherry picker as well,along with lot's of ratchet straps for balance. It went well, no blood stains on the floor..... I also stood mine on end for storage, used a strap to secure it to the wall, not much blood on standing it up, but there was plenty of opportunity for it..... 
w
w
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,923
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
sthe bed is tail heavy...plan for that...
here's some info on when I did mine for some rearend work
https://jniolon.classicpickup.com/be.../bedremove.htm
here's some info on when I did mine for some rearend work
https://jniolon.classicpickup.com/be.../bedremove.htm
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,863
Likes: 8,352
From: northwestern Ontario
I work alone so have to figure a way to do things and use what I have and came up with this..bed was completely assembled other than the fenders but they could have easily been attached to the box as well..
Thread Starter
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,696
Likes: 1
From: S.W. Florida
Bed Removal
Thanks very much Gentlemen. Charlie; hope this finds you and yours well. We're good down here in Fl. I would post some current pics, but it appears that it's still a chore to post pics on FTE.
Last edited by raerjim; May 3, 2023 at 08:49 AM. Reason: afterthought..
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Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Brentwood, TN
Mona and I just made a speed run to Winter Haven a couple of weeks ago...glad to have missed the weather.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 52
Likes: 23
I'm so glad I saw this post. I've been struggling to figure out how to take this bed off. I don't have really any of the abilities suggested though. It's just me and no mechanical advantages other than a 2 ton engine hoist. I'm still perplexed how I'm gonna accomplish this by myself and not get hurt
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 25,405
Likes: 5,416
From: Central PA
If you don't have a hoist, 4 men can easily lift it off with wood in place and fenders on . Three men can do it if the one on the side by himself is strong. My son, my buddy and myself lifted mine on .
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,923
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
Matt., I installed my bed (without wood) with an engine hoist and ratchet straps...it's not a bad job for an old guy like me working alone ...pics in the article I posted
j
j
FTE Legend
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 283,863
Likes: 8,352
From: northwestern Ontario
I'm so glad I saw this post. I've been struggling to figure out how to take this bed off. I don't have really any of the abilities suggested though. It's just me and no mechanical advantages other than a 2 ton engine hoist. I'm still perplexed how I'm gonna accomplish this by myself and not get hurt
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 265
Likes: 79
From: UuupstateNY
I used 4 lengths of all thread in the stake pockets with a block on the bottom and a length across the top at each end. All drilled to center the rod with rags around them. Then a length of chain and tie straps to adjust and balance with an engine hoist. Worked well by myself. Dean
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 984
Likes: 437
From: South Dakota
Other than that, yes, you can remove the tailgate and fenders and wood boards before removing the box.
Jim