taking apart a flairside bed sides - with pictures now !

[stephen44]

1967 f100 flareside (pictures posted about 5 posts down)

do the sides come apart from the end panel and tailgate brace ? in the vertical corners - What I mean is how do I separate the bed into separate sides ? - the bottoms are so rusty it will be easier to weld patch panels in if they are 3 separate flat panels ?

are they spot welded ?

thanks Stephen

[stephen44]

can anyone help on this please - I'm stuck !

If I have not made myself clear - then please ask and i'll try and explain better !

[cep62]

They are welded together, it would be difficult to separate and save the pieces.
If you want to patch it I think it would be easier to do a panel at a time while it's together.
You could have a sheet metal shop / heating and cooling shop bend some metal for you.
Replacement parts are available if you need ,say the rear bed piece.
Or you can even buy a kit and have a brand new bed (some assembly required)
Some $$$ too.

[stephen44]

ha - that is what i feared ... - yet they seem to sell the panels individually ?

so i need the bottom with right angled flange ( for the bed braces) replaced as they have rotted away - also around the fender bolt holes

should i just patch it ?

thanks for the reply - stephen

[cep62]

should i just patch it ?

Well it depends if you have more time or money.
If you want support you could weld up some patches and gussets
and maybe some fender washers around the fender bolts.
But it'll probably look patched.

If you're looking for appearance and strength maybe a new (or newer) box would be better.

(pictures might help the opinions)

[stephen44]

so $$$ is not an option - so labor it must be - here are some pictures - what do you all think ? - can i repair this (limited welding skills - but this seems a good project to learn on )

100_3198 (Medium).JPG

notice the back drivers side flanges missing

100_3206 (Medium).JPG

100_3213 (Medium).JPG

[stephen44]

...and some more ...

100_3219 (Medium).JPG

can you see the rust holes around the fender bolt on holes ?

100_3220 (Medium).JPG

and the rear 'bar' is rusted all the way through - almost the entire length

100_3225 (Medium).JPG

[cep62]

That looks like a LOT of work.

But if you have access to a wire welder it's not impossible , it's basically flat sheet metal with a 90 degree bend.
You should cut the rust out instead of welding over it (so you don't make a rust sandwich).
Do one panel at a time so you can keep it square.

It would be nice if you could find a better one though.
I'd hate to see you take it apart and figure out you're over your head and not be able to finish it, then you'd have no box.

[austin]

it is repairable but youve got to ask your self is it worth the time im about to put into it if no go find a better one which might actualaly be harder than repairing that one

[stephen44]

That looks like a LOT of work.

But if you have access to a wire welder it's not impossible , it's basically flat sheet metal with a 90 degree bend.
You should cut the rust out instead of welding over it (so you don't make a rust sandwich).
Do one panel at a time so you can keep it square.

It would be nice if you could find a better one though.
I'd hate to see you take it apart and figure out you're over your head and not be able to finish it, then you'd have no box.

good advice - I'm thinking of leaving it whole and fixing the bad parts - I'd already thought of keeping it Square - I bought the truck cos I love the flareside - so i definitely don't want t o lose it.

it is repairable but you've got to ask your self is it worth the time I'm about to put into it if no go find a better one which might actually be harder than repairing that one

I can use it for practice and if I mess it up - then I have only lost some time - my welding skills should be a lot better by the time i finish this one ! - or - look out for a welder on the classifieds

- keep the advice coming please ! - Stephen

[stephen44]

one thought - would you do butt welds - or a flange weld - with good metal in both halves ?

you can follow the whole project if you liek at

http://www.fordification.com/forum/view ... 22&t=43559

- Stephen

[cep62]

Butt welding is harder but can have a better finish.
When lap welding you have less chance of burning through, but if you're going to finish it off with filler it'll be thicker in that area. And being a single wall bed side you should finish the inside too.

[stephen44]

Butt welding is harder but can have a better finish.
When lap welding you have less chance of burning through, but if you're going to finish it off with filler it'll be thicker in that area. And being a single wall bed side you should finish the inside too.

oh yes - good point - so butt welding is the way to go - else I'll get a bulge ?

[cep62]

Chances are that by the time you cut the bottom of the box off, bend the new steel,weld it, warp it , grind it.
You will have a bulge.
The trick to butt welding is getting both edges matched up without gaps.
What you can do is overlap the panels the cut both pieces at one time (use a sawsall or cut off wheel with a thin blade)
then the two pieces will match. when welding skip around and let it cool down and there'll be less chance of warping.
Thats pretty heavy sheet metal 16ga.? so you should be ok.

[stephen44]

thanks - stupid question - where would i go to buy th replacement metal of the same gauge ?

- Stephen