Bed seam questions

[ford4x4fun]

That is crazy my old bed did that, when we moved from CO to KY. That is a lot worse than my new bed, that is why I have to get on it. I hope that works out and isn't as bad as it looks.

[FORDification]

Here's a graphic I whipped up to show how the bed seam is configured:



The left view shows the left bedside from the rear, after the quarterpanel extension was removed.

The right view shows it better. The green arrow is where the factory spot-welded the two pieces together. The yellow arrow is the outside and is where most folks see the rust...but the orange arrow is pointing to where the moisture gets in there in the first place, from inside the wheelwell. It works it's way in-between the body panels, in-between the spotwelds, and just sits there. That's what must be sealed up to truly prevent rust from returning.

Once it starts to become obvious, like in the pictures posted earlier in this thread, I think it would be more work than it's worth to try to save. You'd have a LOT less time, effort and $$$ involved by simply finding a bed without that seam rust. Even if you have to patch other areas, like a bed floor, it would still be much more doable IMO.

[Joshpow]

I have trouble finding one here in the salt loving state of Virginia. Most every state near me has the same problem. I have one with no seam rot, but the bedsides are bubbling below the bump. I've considered replacing the bedsides on it with the bedsides off this bed being as they are in very good condition except the seam rust. I figured on cutting below the rot on my orange bed. Also a long time consuming expensive undertaking.

[FORDification]

Well, I see no reason why you couldn't first clean out the seam as good as possible, weld it up solid and then find a junk bed with the patch pieces to replace the rusted metal on yours. Or I suppose those angled pieces inside your bed that are rusted could be easily fabricated with a bending brake, if you chose to go that route. If you've got a good MIG and a lot of time, I don't see why you'd have anything to worry about...except a LOT of time invested.

[Joshpow]

I dont care if it looks factory or not. I just want a solid seam fix. Thanks for the inputs.

[Joshpow]

Also, I plan to modify the bed to remove the side marker light. So, I guess if I am going to hack one up why not a rusty POS. I saw one of the guys that lowered his truck remove what I plan to replace as well as some extra including the ferderwells. His bedsides are still standing up, so I guess mine will be OK while I patch my bed up. You guys are right though. It'll take several hours and alot of patience to ever see it finished.