Stepside bed differences (edited another question)

[Art Vandelay]

So I have 76 stepside (2nd pic) bed that needs a good amount of work and found a new bed box that needs less. I’ve noticed some obvious differences where tail lights attach but can’t figure out what this thread hole is for? Also someone removed the tailgate brackets. Does anyone sell just those?

 

[bucket]

Looks like it has the mounting holes for the later style taillights. The ones that are basically universal jeep/truck lights.

 

[Art Vandelay]

Were the stepside bed sides originally welded to the rear tailgate brace or did guys do this later? Here are pics of two separate beds with completely different welds.

 

[bucket]

If I can possibly remember, I'll check my two beds tomorrow.

 

[1STLS1]

They were welded there from the factory, as for the different welds, over time it would not surprise me to see somebody changed one of the bed side. Step sides are tough to make nice because everything is single panel, there is no place to hide anything.

 

[bucket]

One of mine has the little tack welds (should be original) and the other has no welds. The one with no welds, I believe it is all original steel, but the wood floor has been replaced, so maybe the welds were removed then.

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[Art Vandelay]

I’m “trying” for as close to a rotisserie stock restoration as I can. Im going to cut the two tack welds and completely disassemble to blast and prime every crevice I can.