56 bed questions
 

I just bought 56 F100 and the guy that had the truck before me tempted to restore and customize it. So I’m not sure how some things should look. The first thing is the bottom of the bed side should it have a lip on it and bolted to the wood. Then there’s holes drilled on the sides I don’t know what there for. The truck didn’t come with the fillers at the at the bottom do they get bolted on or welded. I appreciate any input, also my gas tank sitting on 2x4s are there supposed to be straps or brackets? Thanks

The bed sides have lips on the bottom that sit on the floor wood. Looks like your wood has the holes on the sides where the two should meet. Not sure about the extra holes. If they are on the drivers side they may be for a spare tire carrier. You’d need a fender with a cut out to mount the tire.
The drop downs are welded from the factory.
The fuel tank sits on rubber pads in mounts on the floor and is bolted to the back of the cab no straps. You’re last picture shows the top fuel tank mount and bolt.

I don't know about the gas tank, mine is a '53, but the pictures below show the flange or lip bj is talking about on the bed sidewall.

Here’s the drivers bottom mount and tank drain hole (with rubber donut).

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...edef0dfa7.jpeg

You can also see in this picture the rust at the bottom rear of the cab. Unfortunately water and dirt gets trapped behind the tank and wreaks havoc.

Thanks guys, those pictures really help. I don’t have any idea why that guy would cut off that flange at the bottom thats going to be a lot more work to repair.I don’t know to much about the mid fifty trucks so I’m sure I’ll have more questions. Thanks again.

Pretty common for them to rust, especially if the truck is kept outside. Not sure how he is mounting the bed without them.