Bed seam questions

[Joshpow]

The bedside seams along the top of the bump on my 72 are getting horrible. They are bubbling even on the flat part inside the bedside. I don't want the seams there when I get done, so the bed will last. I know they need welded up, but I need a few tips. Also, I was thinking of cutting the seam loose on the inside of the beds and laying metal back in to replace it. One question is would it weaken the bedsides if I cut it out and put it back? Another iswould the bedside have to be braced while I cut the metal out to keep it from warping? I know if you replace floorpans in a unibody car, It'll collapse without braces. Would my bed be heavy enough to have that problem if the seam was cut out? Any info would be great.

[ford4x4fun]

and pictures would be awsome, my truck is doing the same thing, and I want to stop it before it gets to bad. Sorry Josh Not Trying To Jack the Thread! Just have the same

[Joshpow]

No problem. Hopefully we can help both of us and several others as well. I'll see if I can get some pics soon. I got to work nights this week, so daylight hours at home should be no problem for me.

[ford4x4fun]

I have been looking someone has welded the seam, and I have been trying to find the link. It was when I first got my truck, and I didn't understand why they did it. I am still looking for that link

[ford4x4fun]

OK, I have looked and looked till I am blue in the face there is a link on here of someone's project, and in it they welded the bed seam. My internet is slower than dialup, so it is a little time consuming, and it is starting to get late over here. So if anyhone knows where that link is could you please post it.

Thanks

[convincor]

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... hp?t=34000

[ford4x4fun]

I didn't even see that one. There was another one awhile back... Can't be sure on how long now. But yeah that will work too. Thanks Convincer I don't know how Looked over that post I have gone through pages, and pages, I guess I am just tired of staring at a screan!

[CO684X4]

td did i beleive on his truck.

[convincor]

Keiths 67
http://www.fordification.com/my67-p63.htm

[Joshpow]

My main concern id I've got to cut out all the old rusty metal before I weld the seams up. I'm wondering whether the metal coming out is support structure for the bedside or just metal to fill a gap bdetween the inside wall and the outer skin. I know it supportsa the bedside some, but I don't want the bedside to warp when I cut it out if it's keeping the bedside up.

[Joshpow]

Here are some pics. I got problems inside the bed. That's my concern. Is that lip something that keeps the bed from warping? Could I cut it out and just replace it with sheetmetal? HELP!!

[mljjones67]

I think your best bet is to grind all the paint and bubbling rust off and see where your at. Might not be as bad as you think or it might be worse. Hope fully better

[CO684X4]

What does it look like from underneith the bed? I fixed mine the easyway. Found a rust free bed.

[td]

joshpow,

mljjones67 is right if your going to approach the problem right your going to have to get all the paint out of the way so you'll know exactly what your up against.

[Joshpow]

I know I do have rust through under the paint bubbles. I'd have to remove portions of the seam itself. It is al the way through the two layers of metal. As far as a rust free bed argument, I'd love to be able to find one that I could come near affording. However, I know that will not be happening soon. I might as well sink a small fortune in the one I have and not end up with a pig in a poke. I'll try to see more of what's under the bubbles soon. Meanwhile, keep the info coming. Everyone's gives me another view and another option on repairing my rust.