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73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Body, Glass & Paint => Topic started by: TorchRed77Vette on May 23, 2011, 01:38:04 pm

Title: Side Bed Panel Hardware/Bolts
Post by: TorchRed77Vette on May 23, 2011, 01:38:04 pm

Hey everyone, new member here, 1st post!!!  Just bought a '78 Fleetside C10 with a 383 Stroker, and already have a question that maybe y'all can help me out with.

So I was about to get a Rhinoliner sprayed in, and realized that the previous owner did not bolt the bed back together whenever they took it apart last.  By this I mean all of the bolts that hold the front part of the bed box parallel to the cab are missing and the panel is simply bouncing around back there.  I see that there are 5 bolts on each side that attach the front and side panels together, and that there are weld nuts for these to screw into.  I found a thread from 2003 which touches on these bolts claiming they had a 1/2" hex head which would mean they are 5/16" bolts.  My question do these bolts have a fine thread (UNF 5/18-24) or a coarse thread (UNC 5/16-18)?  I have some thread rolling 5/16-18 bolts that seem to thread in but stop after a couple threads which could just be from rust, or it could mean it is a fine threaded weld nut.  They are thread rolling bolts so if I put enough torque into the wrench they will cut new threads, but I would like to get it right.  I personally design riding lawn mowers and would use a coarse threaded bolt (5/16-18) in this application but who knows what the engineer for this truck bed would have decided on.  Also, if anyone can provide a picture of the bolts I would be able to tell what they are by looking at them.

Title: Re: Side Bed Panel Hardware/Bolts
Post by: zieg85 on May 23, 2011, 06:48:05 pm

5/16"-18 just had my 85 bed a part...  Welcome from NW Indiana

Title: Re: Side Bed Panel Hardware/Bolts
Post by: TorchRed77Vette on May 24, 2011, 11:59:59 am

Thanks!....now to decide if un-bolting the bed from the frame to put these 10 screws in is worth it.  Probably will just get a cold beer, a stool, and a box end wrench and go to town.

Title: Re: Side Bed Panel Hardware/Bolts
Post by: zieg85 on May 24, 2011, 02:42:44 pm

I have changed the rear panel before without taking the bed off, just be careful...

Title: Re: Side Bed Panel Hardware/Bolts
Post by: Blazin on May 24, 2011, 09:44:13 pm

5/16x18. The ends of them are pointed a but to help line them up. They also have a built in washer.
They look like this.
http://www.dormanproducts.com/p-24047-45599.aspx