I am getting ready to reassemble my pick-up bed. I have a new front panel and crossmembers. I can't decide on how to attach the front of the bed to the side panels. Do you use rivets, spotwelds or bolts. I see late '50 bolt kits but mine is an early '50. Any suggestions?

 

Stock used a combination of spotwelds and rivets. When I put mine back together I did both.

Remember to attach the leading edge of the front stake pocket with the same rivets that fasten the headwall to the sidewall. You'll be working with 3 layers that are in an akward position for clamping.

 

Thanks. Where do you get the rivets and how does one install them?

 

I think I got them from Mack Products in Moberly, MO. They're online - if you type the name in google it should come up. They sell a kit to do the whole box. Only problem is there are no directions so you have to pay attention to the number you need and the size of the hole. Not too hard to figure it out.

The I used the rivet head for my air hammer backed up with an 8 lb sledge. The rivets are soft steel so you can peen them over with a hammer, but pulling the trigger on the air gun was a lot easier.