Had a catastrophic blow out on the highway today. Luckily the spare, which had never been lowered, was still holding air.

Gaterback slapped the fender well pretty well. This is a Platinum edition truck so I'll never find a paint matching bed. The whole truck needs to be painted due to peeling clearcoat anyway. Do people weld a new panel on or just replace the whole bed? Thanks. Dirt.

 

If it was my truck I'd replace the bedside if the rest of the bed is rust free.

 

Had a similar experience with mine just a few weeks ago. I'm still debating and mine isn't quit as bad and probably could be straightened if a body shop wanted to take the time to do it. I would lose the rhinoliner and have to have the 5th wheel hitch brackets moved too if I replace the bed. Amazing the damage a flopping tread can do in a couple of revolutions.

 

I've seen worse damage than that be fixed, but that's pretty nasty.

If you want it perfect, you need to look into a new side panel or section. But if you don't mind a little plastic on the side of the bed then it can be done.

 

fairly easy fix for a pro-body shop..

worst case you can "skin" the side of teh box, but certainly no reason to replace the entire bed...

 

That actually is not a bad ammount of damage. it can very easily be pulled out, then hammer and dollied into shape very nicely. Little scuff and filler and it will be ready for paint.

 

Have you called your insurance agent? This is probably covered.

 

I have thought about that. The gatorback actually slapped the the rear door too, but the damage up there is pretty minor compared to the bed. Looks like I can buy a brand new bed for about $1,000 from a utility body company, so I'm not sure its really worth a claim.

I like the idea of putting a bed skin on. I'll check in to all my options. Thanks.

 

Definitely worth a shot. You are looking at three or four hours in labor, then prep and repaint the bedside. You doing the work would run you a couple hundred in materials, dealership would definitely repar this over replacing the entire bed for $1K, however they might take the route of replacing the bedside if cheap enough. Still, if you do the work yourself I would definitely repair it. Easy fix.
By the way, seeing as how it was a blowout that was not due to fault of your own, the insurance would likely cut you a check without charging the deductable.

 

^^^^ Depending on comprehensive coverage deductible and coverage.

 

I can't tell by the picture if the panel is kinked (folded over on itself, over 90-degree bends). If it's kinked it'd be much more likely to tear when pulling out. So, by what I can see, looks like a repair. You'll need to paint the bedside, but since it's back that far you don't have to paint the whole side. You could have it painted with a "blend" within the panel, meaning it'll get painted, but they'll blend the color so you won't see new paint butt up against older paint. Then they'll clear the whole side. Then again, that might depend on the size of the bed (long or short bed).

I wouldn't want a bedside if it were me. When they replace the bedside (which I think some are refering to as a skin) they'll be cutting and re-welding the seams where it attaches to the the front, rear, floor of the bed. If it were me I wouldn't want those cut and re-welded. It means having that area cut, ground, welded and painted. It means you'll need more paint, inside and outside of the bed at that corner and it means you're more prone to rust. The factory e-coat is typically the best rust protection available and it'll have to be compromised in the welding/grinding process of putting the bed side on.

It also means you'll likely have to carry paint into the cab corner, door area in order to have a proper color match since the paint will be all new throughout the bed side. Getting a proper match will be more difficult, even if they do color matching (let down panels).

So, in order to maintain the most integrity of the metal and paint, I would have it repaired if it's not kinked. The only other repair I would want is an entire take-off bed, but only if it matched. If it had to be re-painted I'd rather go with the repair.

Yes, it's likely to be a comprehensive claim, but all insurance companies are different, so you'd want to call and ask. Be sure NOT to open a claim, but only ask for clarification between collision and comprehensive definitions; or read your policy. Also, many/most of the times there is a comprehensive deductible (it's not usually waived or $0.00, except sometimes with a glass claim...but not always then either and that too depends on the insurance company). You only want to open the claim if you know for sure whether it's comprehensive or collision, and your deductible for either. Also, some insurance companies define a collision as an impact with an object; i.e., your bedside was impacted by a tire, therefore it's collision. Comprehensive is often (basically defined as) impact with an animal or vandalism. Sso, make sure you understand the difference.

 

I wouldn't replace it, that will buff right out. lol

 

damm yankeys