I have a short bed 79 I'm gonna weld new bed sides on. As you all know ya can't find full replacements for a short bed, only long bed sides. So I'm gonna cut them down to fit a short bed. Question is can I cut the front down or do I have to cut the front down and take a hunk out between the fender whel and the tail lights? Help please, from some one that has maybe done the same thing.

 

What kind of results are you expecting? I'm afraid you're trying to something very difficult if you expect the finished project to look decent. Welding on panels is one thing but I learned in my autobody program you don't try to weld or cut in the middle of a panel, you just can't expect to hide it. We are talking about multiple cuts - not practical imho. The time spent to weld (properly) and finish would be more than it was worth.

Here's an autobody site which will be helpful. http://www.autobodystore.com/cgi-bin/config.pl?

Are there no short beds available out there? I'm sure you're searched.

 

This is what I am asking. Is it necessary to cut in the middle or do you just need to cut and wrap the front?

 

I'm not sure where the difference in length was added. Just find a shortbed and measure from the wheel well back. If it is the same as a long bed, them I would suspect you could cut off the front and wrap it.


my .02

 

Has anybody actually done this. I'd love to here from you!!

 

I just did this about a month ago. Came out great. I cut off the old sides. I then installed the long bed sides on the bed. I welded all the top edge in the taillights and reinstalled the bottom braces. I then cut the remaining front off about two inches too long. I then slowly started cutting triangles out of the ridges and slowly wrapping the metal around the edge. Rubber mallet and hand strength. I was very happy with the results. While I wouldn't do it on a show truck, it came out great for a daily driver. I used repo quarters from LMC. The only problem is the steak holes don't line up on top. The back are the same, but there is one in the middle. I left the front one covered and opened a hole in the middle one. Worked great for me because I have a cross bed tool box that covered the front holes anyways. I now have two steak holes to stick steaks in I will try to put up some pictures soon so you guys can see. I figured not having any bondo in the sides is worth the work to wrap the front edges around. When cutting the front part of the quarter off your old bed side make sure to leave about a half inch from the bend to support the new quarter. If I left anything out please ask. I did this project in two nights worth of work. Really not that bad of a project.

Lee

 

I restored my 79 about five years ago. The bed was a mess, but i went and purchased two 8 by 4 sheets of new steel 3/16 of a inch thick and plated both bed sides inside and out. The only place you can see any that this was done was on the top under the bed rail, where I was unable to grind down my welds flush. I used to take this truck to car shows and had to point out to most judges what I had done. I'm not bragging, but for about thirty bucks and one weekend it looks great. One sheet will do one side inside and out.

 

rob79 id like to see pics of your truck and this work. i might have to re-do my trucks bed. nto sure yet tho. i have to rip off the topper and all the stuff inside first

 

THITDOG did the bed sides you used include the tail lights pockets or not? regaurdless I think it sounds like there should be no cutting involved between the fender whel and the end right?
Thanks for the help you guys always have the answers.

 

The bedside assemblies I used included the taillight pockets. The distance from the wheelwell to the back is the same on the longbed and the shortbed. The two feet extra is in the front. Hope it helps.

Lee

 

Perfect that all a need to know. Thanks everyone

 

Well, I asked in another thread, no answer, so I'll ask here ... anyone put bed sides on using just 3/16" stainless steel rivets instead of welding? I have new bed sides and new inner rear fender arches that I plan to install (along with new doors and new FORS tailgate on my 77 F-150) and I think 3/16" stainless steel rivets spaced along every inch or 1-1/2" along top rail and down front would be plenty strong. I'll leave a little of the old bed below the tailights behind bumper and will also use the rivets to secure the inner fender arches to the bedside and bed.

Then after paint, etc, I will add the chrome fender trim and plastic fender liners (for rear, just like stock fronts).

Any thoughts?

 

My only thought would be that the rivets might loosen over time. That would be my main fear.