84 F150 Bed Question
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84 F150 Bed Question
I have an 84 F150 I am looking to get. I was told by the current owner that the bed sides are falling off and the only thing keeping them on is the toolbox that is in the back. My question is: Does anyone know why this would happen? Im thinking rust. And is there anyway that this would be able to be fixed without replacing the whole bed? The truck has a lot of sentimental value to me and I would like to keep it as original as possible if I do get it. Thank you in advance for any help you guys can give me.
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I have an 84 F150 I am looking to get. I was told by the current owner that the bed sides are falling off and the only thing keeping them on is the toolbox that is in the back. My question is: Does anyone know why this would happen? Im thinking rust. And is there anyway that this would be able to be fixed without replacing the whole bed? The truck has a lot of sentimental value to me and I would like to keep it as original as possible if I do get it. Thank you in advance for any help you guys can give me.
Possibly a heavy load could have broken welds in the bed between the sides and the front. More likely, there is a little rust present and a lot of exaggeration involved. And while this may not be the time or place, it's a really good general rule for life to not worry about events that have yet to happen. JMHO.While I can certainly sympathize with the desire to keep the vehicle as original as possible for sentimental reasons, if the bed is in as bad a shape as some of your relatives (guess on my part) would lead you to believe,you may want to invest in 2 things. A different bed and a good tarp to protect the original in the unlikely event you should regret the decision to replace it.
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From: Virginia
I would replace it. Those are called "Happy Trucks", because the body panels wave at everyone as you drive it down the road.
I had one just like it, and it's not just cosmetic. When you get it, check the structural part of the bed. There is a u-shaped brace that goes from the uprights around the tailight area, down and across under the tailgate, and back up the other side. Mine was totally rusted away, and this is what holds the bed together in the rear. If you have a brace that is rusted away like that, it's best to find another bed.
The only thing really fixable is a little rust over the wheelwells and behind the rear wheel down low.
I had one just like it, and it's not just cosmetic. When you get it, check the structural part of the bed. There is a u-shaped brace that goes from the uprights around the tailight area, down and across under the tailgate, and back up the other side. Mine was totally rusted away, and this is what holds the bed together in the rear. If you have a brace that is rusted away like that, it's best to find another bed.
The only thing really fixable is a little rust over the wheelwells and behind the rear wheel down low.
