Bed removal Question

[SubRoc69]

what would be the best way to get an undamaged bed off of a salvage yard truck that you do not have access to the bottom of the bed (it is sitting flat on the frame?


any suggestions -- I really want this bed (camper special with the side box to replace mine.



TIA

[69bumptruck]

Without going at the nuts from thebottom, you only have 2 choices.
1. Grind the top of the bolts off from inside the bed or,
2. Cut a hole around the bolts, but this will cause more work later, or really big washers will be needed.

The bed sits pretty much directly to the frame. Usually the bolts go thru somesort of support bracing. It's not really "flat" aal the way down the frame. Look in the rear fender well, and you will see the square bracings.

[FORDification]

You can't get a jack up under the frame to lift it enough to get access to the bottom to properly unbolt it?

If not, then I'd agree with the suggestion of just carefully grinding off the bolt heads from inside the bed. I've had to do this on several parts trucks where I DID have access to the bottom, but the nuts were rusted to the bolts.

[Galaxie64]

Good question, I am looking at a bed transplant and doubt the nuts will come off. From the looks of the bolt heads it will take a nice chunk of time grinding to pull it.

I suppose there is no easy way to "swap" a bed toolbox is there? My '68 box doesn't have one and the '72 box has one in perfect shape, its about the only thing in great shape on the bed.

[69bumptruck]

Good question, I am looking at a bed transplant and doubt the nuts will come off. From the looks of the bolt heads it will take a nice chunk of time grinding to pull it.

It's not too bad. But if you have more than 2 bolts. I would buy a few grinding wheels. Took me about 20 minutes to remove 2 bolts. VERY noisey too ........ according to my wife.

[FORDification]

Think about the end result of getting a bed in good condition, rather than the work necessary to salvage it. If you take your time and do it right, and not damage the bed, you'll be more than glad you took the extra time.

You can swap the in-bed toolbox to a bed that doesn't have one, but it'll (obviously) require some bodywork. Just cut the toolbox opening out of the donor bed, leaving at least 3"-4" around the door perimeter, so that you can mold it into your good bedside.

[wt4speed#2]

Well believe it or not I took the head off 2 of mine with a hacksaw and chisel. Just cut a big ole X in the head all the way down into the washer a bit and chip the pieces out , Not the ideal situation but it worked for me .

[kaptnkaos]

wouldn't be a lot easier to drill the heads off?

Drill a small pilot hole first, then use a drill bit that is just about the same size as the bolt. Since you'd be working in a wrecking yard, you most likely won't have access to a power source. You could use a cordless drill. It shouldn't take to long with good sharp bits, but you might wanna make sure you got a spare battery. Use lots of oil too...
After you drill the head out, use a punch or chisel to pop the head off.
I have used this method successfully many times, it should work for this applocation pretty well.

Good luck,
KaptnKAOS

[wt4speed#2]

Most yards in my area won't let you take even a cordless drill in with you and the yards with all the good parts check your box "in " and "out".

[foghorn]

What no cordless ? Well i guess they just would not get my business because i use them if there is a crap load of screws in the item i want. I also use them to run out bolts after i brake them loose. It sure makes for faster and easier removal of parts.



Foggy

[Wes]

no drill motors what the c#$p. LOL I guess they would have fit with my cordless sawsall and BMFH.
I like the drilling way the best, less potential for damage, to the bed.

[averagef250]

I always take beds off from the top. I use a torch and cut a circle in the bolt head, the bolt drops through and the head stays on top, no damage. You can shave the head off too, but that gets real easy to cut into the bed with the heat required to cut the thick bolt. Can you get to the rear two bolts? You cannot reach those from the top.

If it's a really nice bed I don't even take the chance of removing the bolts. I torch them. I've kicked my own ass for trying to wrench them out and having the bolt head spin.

Another option: Just cut the frame rails off behind the cab and take the frame home with the bed. You can worry about getting it off when you get it home.

[SubRoc69]

Thanks for the suggestions -- I will get another look at it this weekend -- I know they wont allow cameras (?) in the yard but didnt see a sign about pwr tools.