Truck Bed

[mbisett]

I am struggling with how to clamp/attach the side panels to the front bed panel so I can drill and attach them. The manual is no help.

Any advice or pictures of the complete bed (no fenders) install would be greatly appreciated.

[Punuffney]

I found it easiest to center and mount the front bed piece first so that it was steady and I could align/secure the other pieces to it. i also found that I needed to significantly trim the cab fiberglass that sits flush on the frame to allow the front bed piece to sit flush on the frame, so getting that piece right was the key to getting the entire bed to align.

I had the bolts securing the front panel to the sides out during this picture, but this is how it looks.
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[fact5racer]

I have welded my whole bed together, got another bed side unbonded. Mitered the back corners into the rear of the bed sides around the back of the truck. I also got different material (1X12 Trex) for my bed along with the original stuff FFR had for between the boards, powdercoated them to match my bronze frame with hidden T Nuts. My creative mind is so in full force on this build that on this past Friday between my shop, the Bodyshop and one of my 2 machinists shops , I accidently drove by where I was going TWICE before realizing I screwed up. But, this IS the fun stuff. This truck is not only my 20th build, it is also my most expensive, most customized, and definitely my most hours into it. At almost 70 years old, it WAS supposed to be my last build, but who knows.

[mbisett]

Thank you! I like the idea of the battery door.

[mbisett]

I considered welding it together but decided against it so I can take it all apart for paint.

I appreciate the humor! I turned 70 and can definitely relate!!

[Guardm16]

At 62 Y/O I feel like the young guy in the room.
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I used Carbon Fiber Wrap and then made aluminum stingers to mimic the lines FFR etched into the bed. I have an aluminum hatch for the battery area as well as vents above the fuel tank to vent the transmission cooler.

I did nearly the exact process as Punuffney, with 1" aluminum angle attaching the front corners. I also used Zert-nuts in the chassis square tubes and black hex socket cap bolts to hold the bed down.

One more thing. I also used 1" wide self adhesive rubber gasket along the top of the chassis square tubing, to quite down the stainless bed. No rattles here.

[fact5racer]

62? My pubic hairs were just starting to grow in at 62!

[Guardm16]

62? My pubic hairs were just starting to grow in at 62!

Rogaine?

[fact5racer]

No, I transplanted a CHIA pet in that area and kept watering it. :cool:

[mbisett]

Thanks for the response and picture - I like the way you attached and dressed the bed. Those vents are a great idea.

[KZGUNS]

I got you all beat at 49yo lol
I'm fitting the bed now as well. this thread was helpful. On mine it seems like the fiberglass lip on the back is off to one side. with the front piece centered the pass bedside is touching the frame mounting areas and on the drivers it's a 1/2-5/8 away. Everything looks square so I may just need to use spacers on the driver's side.

[Guardm16]

I got you all beat at 49yo lol
I'm fitting the bed now as well. this thread was helpful. On mine it seems like the fiberglass lip on the back is off to one side. with the front piece centered the pass bedside is touching the frame mounting areas and on the drivers it's a 1/2-5/8 away. Everything looks square so I may just need to use spacers on the driver's side.

Send some pictures if you can

[KZGUNS]

I managed to get it sorted out and only needed one spacer to keep it square

[mbisett]

What size access door did you go with? TIA

[Guardm16]

What size access door did you go with? TIA

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJT81YTZ?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_ti tle_20

10x14 for the battery.

[mbisett]

Thanks - glad I asked - I was thinking 8 x 12 but I like the extra room around the battery.