84 GMC 1500 shorty - take apart box to paint/seal - anyone done this?

[ggevaert]

Hi,

   Has anyone taken apart a 1984 (or 84-87) fleetside box (long or short)?   Any instructions/hints/tips/thoughts?

   I want to take it apart, fix the bumps/bruises it has (minimal rust) and then seal it/paint it before putting it back together. I plan on using panel bond instead of welds in the current weld spots and seam sealer where seam sealer was before. I don't plan on taking the welded supports off underneath but I do want to take the sides, wheel wells and front off.

  I have mapped out most of the weld locations and measured the box every which way so I can get it back square but I am hoping someone went through this and can tell me of any tips.

  I thought there would be a blow-out diagram somewhere online that would show how the box is put together but I have not found anything. I have not yet acquired a service manual and I have found those to be very helpful in the past so let me know if that is the best place to start.

  Why am I doing this?  Because I need a long winter project to keep me occupied 

Thanks for any help!

Thank You
   

[Cabcorner]

Lots of bolts to deal with . A torch , mig welder and air ratchet were my best friends . Some of the bolt heads snapped off and I had to weld nuts on to them to get them out. Some of them took three times . Over all not to bad . Make sure you check the tailgate for fitment before you weld it back up . I would not trust the panel bond to replace the welds .

[ggevaert]

Thanks Cabcorner, I have all those tools at hand. As for the panel bond (Evercoat Maxim), I have seen a number of others use it successfully but I do plan on testing it out on a couple of spare pieces to see how it holds, I agree that a box with a load of material in it may be too much for the bond but there are no plans to use the box. Either way, a welder is near at hand if needed.

[Captkaos]

you mean like this:  http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=20490.msg234247#msg234247

As for disassembly, does this help.  (there are spot welds in there holding the side to the floor)
http://73-87.com/7387garage/exterior/bed_rebuild.htm