Bed disassembly

[84GMCSierra]

I have an 84 Sierra long bed that has a bad front panel. Someone in the past had something slide forward and hit it and it pulled the bolts out of the metal, so I'm needing to replace it. While I'm at it, I'm thinking of completely taking the bed apart for cleaning and dent removal. My question is, how hard is it to take it apart, then put it back together?

 

[fast 99]

All bolted, have seen small welds in the rear corners where bed meets the side panel, inside, top. Easily cut with a whizzer wheel. If in a rust prone area apply penetrant to the bolts first.

 

[hoagster]

I would install the new front before you take the whole thing apart. I bought and assembled a whole new bed and it was a erecter set trying to get all the bolt holes lined up. But @TotalyHucked AMD came thru on this part of my project

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[TotalyHucked]

It's not terrible, especially if you have a platform/forklift/table/something to set the bed/floor on. Or at least a couple buddies to help. A few spot welds on the rear posts where they meet the floor and the rest is bolt together. The worst part is getting the old seam sealer off

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[TotalyHucked]

I did mine in ~3 afternoons by myself. The forklift made it super easy lol. If you're just going back with your original sides and floor, it shouldn't be bad. You'll need a ladyfinger or tapered punch to help line up the holes to put the bolts back in. If you were doing a new floor/tubs/etc, I'd tell ya to open up any pass through hole a couple sizes with a step bit to give you more adjustment. Also, I welded my rear posts more than original because my bed flexed ALOT without seam sealer or any weld for the 8mo I ran around like that lol.

 

[Camar068]

When I replaced the bedsides, I started at the front with screws loose, then went to the back.....all wouldn't line up. So I tried the opposite....wouldn't line up.

I think I should have loosened the fender wells so they would move to get everything lined up. And then dropped the sides straight down instead of teatering towards the front or rear. Anyway, I'm missing a few screws in the back and it sits about 1/4" higher than it should. I'll live with it lol.

If you do it, do it one panel at a time so you can get it back easily.

 

[84GMCSierra]

I did mine in ~3 afternoons by myself. The forklift made it super easy lol. If you're just going back with your original sides and floor, it shouldn't be bad. You'll need a ladyfinger or tapered punch to help line up the holes to put the bolts back in. If you were doing a new floor/tubs/etc, I'd tell ya to open up any pass through hole a couple sizes with a step bit to give you more adjustment. Also, I welded my rear posts more than original because my bed flexed ALOT without seam sealer or any weld for the 8mo I ran around like that lol.

The only thing I'm replacing is the front panel. I'll find an original piece to replace the damaged piece. I want to take it apart so I can do a good clean up on the parts and paint them before reassembling it all.

 

[hoagster]

I think you guys misunderstood my first post. I put together all of them from scratch. @84GMCSierra if you find a replacement, take the OEM off and install the new one first, clean it up and work your way around. It's not difficult and yes a forklift would make it easier,

 

[oldretiredafguy]

It's not terrible, especially if you have a platform/forklift/table/something to set the bed/floor on. Or at least a couple buddies to help. A few spot welds on the rear posts where they meet the floor and the rest is bolt together. The worst part is getting the old seam sealer off

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Nice shop Zach!

 

[TotalyHucked]

Nice shop Zach!

Thanks! I am very lucky and thankful that I get free use of it

 

[JACK34]

It's not worth the hassle for me. I purchased a Texas rust free box for my 94 a few years ago. 500.00. Local guy had it. But good job on yours!!!!

 

[78C10BigTen]

It's not worth the hassle for me. I purchased a Texas rust free box for my 94 a few years ago. 500.00.

I need that for my 78!!

 

[Don-T]

I would like to find one for my ‘73. the floor is severely rusted and the wheel wells and sides are not far behind.