86 Short Bed

[JJSZABO]

Ok Guys,

I started looking at the process of restoring the fleetside short bed on this 86 C-10 project.  I need many parts and was wondering what is the "tail pan complete assembly" offered in the catalog?  I know I need a new tail pan piece but was wondering what the complete assembly was.  There was nor picture in the catalog.

Sorry for the stupid question - I have an idea what it is.  I am trying to determine if this bed is worth fixing or should I try to find a replacement bed.  I'll post some picture shortly.

Thanks for looking,

Jeff

[123 pugsy]

Lets see some pics to see how bad it is.

[JJSZABO]

Ok - Here are some pics of the bed (I had to wait till I got home to get the pictures)

Here is the bed front many dents and dings:


Bed side - passanger with small holes above wheel well:


Rear pan with many rust holes:


The bed floor - dents and waves:


other photos:





Buckets and buckets of body filler used inside the wheel wells.  I could rebuild her, but it would take alot of panels and many hours of work.  What do you all think?  Is she worth it?

Does anyone know where I can get a short bed - fleetside or stepside - that is within 150 miles of Frederick, Maryland?

Thanks for the help...

Jeff

[123 pugsy]

I'd be looking for a southern bed. If there's buckets of bondo inside the well wells, there's probably a bunch of bondo and rust under the paint as well.

[JJSZABO]

Looks as if I am going to try and salvage the bed.  I've got more time than money.  Beds are just too far away for me to economicaly get one.  So here goes.........

[Captkaos]

Dang, I know I posted an answer on this, but the complete tailpan means it isn't just the outer portion.

[123 pugsy]

If you gotta save it, you should take it all apart and it will be much easier to patch up.

[JJSZABO]

Should I have it mounted on the truck when I take it apart? 

I plan on taking it apart and getting rid of all the filler so I know exactly what replacement panels I need.  I know for sure I need the front panel and the complete tail pan assembly for starters (thanks Chris).  I will start this process this weekend. 

If I work on the bed off the truck, I could mount it to a sub frame of wood to try and keep it square - what do you think?

Jeff

[Blazin]

Thats in good shape compared to some I have saved! Why do you want to replace the front panel? It looks pretty solid to me. You don't need to mount the bed to anything to take it apart. As far as bolting it together you could leave the front panel to the side panel bolts a bit loose for a little adjustment to match the cab. As far as the bottom to side bolts there is really no adjustment. As for your rear crossmember I would cut out the couple bad spots, sand blast it inside and out, and weld some patches in. Your quarters do look a bit shabby. Allot less work but more $ to just replace them. Haven't priced any out recently but last time I did they were going for about $400 to $600 each for after market ones.

[JJSZABO]

Thanks for the encouragment Blazin

I want to replaceme the front panel because of all the dents in it.  Maybe i'll hammer and dolley the dents and see how it goes (I am still learning this part).  Thanks for the advice on the rear crossmember -that should save money.  When you talk about quarters, I am assuming you mean the rear quarters?  Wouldn't these panels work:
http://store.73-87chevytrucks.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=7&Product_Code=0850-133-1341&Category_Code=7387Beds

[Blazin]

Oh I see you want a show truck!
 I am into trucks that work so dents and dings inside a bed just give it character as far as I am concerned.
 Yes those panels will work but you will need to get the ones for in front of the wheel and over the arch as well. You are looking at three panels per side $200 to $300 in patch panels give or take, plus allot of welding and a whole lot of body work on top of the patching you need to do on the rear cross member. Plus if the outside above the wheel is rusty I would put money on it that the inner arch is shot too. I would take the money you plan on spending on a new front panel, live with a few dings in it and put it toward some new rear quarters.

[JJSZABO]

ROFLMAO 

Thanks for bringing me back to reality!!!!

Dang perfectionist in me - You are totally right.

I agree with the patch panels needed - that's why I asked the original question.  I feel now, that it would be cheaper to spend 300 for patch panels than spend 300-1000 for bed and 100-200 dollars in gas picking it up (driving a Ford Expedition towing trailer - 10 to 12 MPG, 97 octane because of the program in it - $$$$) 

I am glad I am on this site - reality check time!!!

[Captkaos]

You could always spray a liner in the bed to cover up the dents inside.

[JJSZABO]

Yes - that's the way I am leaning.  I am using SPI (Southern Poly Inc) paint and wanted to try their bed liner.  Good time to use it.

[Blazin]

Or you could buy two new quarters, have them shipped to you, no gas needed! Bolt them on.
 What are you getting for them Chris?