bed rusted - needs to go?

[doscazadores]

'74 F250. Bed is rusted but only in a couple places near the tailgate is it rusted through. So couple questions:

In the small rust-through areas would they normally be "patched" and if so how's it accomplished with the ribbed bed?

If the whole bed comes out how, again, is that done? Use an air chisel, just saw it out and replace, or . . .?

[Canonman67]

You can order repair panels from many different places, here's the page for LMC as an example http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/FB/full.aspx?page=23 you should also check out the other usual suspects for panels. Or you can find a donor bed and either cut and patch or replace the bed entirely. As far as how to cut things out you can use whatever is most comfortable for you, though I've found that a small grinder is easier to control and leaves a cleaner edge for when it's time to weld the patch in. Post some photos of your work since it's through sharing our experiences that others are able to repair and restore our trucks.

[sargentrs]

The cleanest way to go is to drill out all the spot welds but it's labor intensive. This is a '69 but the principal is the same. Starting around page 21 Tyler takes us step by step in removing the floor from his bed and replacing it with wood. Way to go, Tyler! https://fordification.com/forum/viewtop ... &start=300

[doscazadores]

Thanks a lot. Really appreciate giving me a start. Spot welds, ugh. I understand the economy of production but I hate them.