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Tech Tips

Bed Mounts 1936-46
1/2-ton

By Randy Baumann
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       All information, illustrations and specifications are based on the best information available at the time of publication. The author cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. Corrections are welcomed, and can be submitted to Randy Baumann (ah, and let us know, too, please!). Information included in this publication comes from a variety of sources, that include, but are not limited to the following: Bed Restoration Manual for Early Chevrolet and GMC Pickup Trucks pick-up bed mounts.

 

 <----- Figure 1: Front Bed Mount (Passenger Side Shown)
NOTE: Quantities listed are per side.

      1. Cotter Pin
      2. Castle Nut
      3. Split-Lock Washer
      4. Flat Washer (2 Used)
      5. Crossmember
      6. Bed (Reference)
      7. Spacer Block
      8. Isolator Pad
      9. Frame (Reference)
      10. Hex-Head Cap Screw (Drilled for Cotter Pin)

      The pick-up bed is mounted to the vehicle frame at six locations (three on each side of the bed). One set is located at the front of the bed (Figure 1), another set located just behind the rear axle (Figure 2), and the third set located at the rear of the pick-up bed (Figure 3).

The bed planks are bolted to a series of crossmembers, or "sills." Several of these crossmembers are also used as mounting point for the bed. These crossmembers are an open channel design, with the open end of the channel facing down. On each side of the crossmember, at the bed mounting points, a plate is attached to the bottom of the channel. These plates will rest against the bed-mounting spacer blocks.

 

The front two sets of bed mounting positions use 2-inch wood blocks (Figures 1 and 2). The spacer blocks are placed between the crossmembers and the frame. Isolator pads are placed between the spacer blocks and the frame rails to minimize wear and noise. These mounting positions are secured by a hex capscrew inserted from below the upper frame rail, throught the isolator pad, spacer block and the plate at the bottom of the crossmember. The hex capscrew is secured with a flat washer, split-lock washer and castle nut. The castle nut is locked in placed with a cotter pin.

Figure 2: Middle Bed Mount (Passenger Side Shown) ------>
NOTE: Quantities listed are per side.

 

<------ Figure 3: Rear Bed Mount (Passenger Side Shown)
NOTE: Quantities listed are per side.

  1. Carriage Bolt (Drilled for Cotter Pin)
  2. Special (Offset Washer)
  3. Hex-Head Cap Screw (1941-1946 Only, 2 Used)
  4. Flat Washer (5 Used)
  5. Mounting Block
  6. Isolator Pad
  7. Frame (Reference)
  8. Split-Lock Washer (2 Used)
  9. Castle Nut
  10. Cotter Pin
  11. Hex Nut (1941-1946 Only, 2 Used)
  12. Bed (Reference)

NOTE: The special (offset) washers used in the rear bed mounts, prevent the carriage bolts from turning while the nuts are being tightened. The rear mounts (Figure 3) uses a four-inch wood block bolted directly to the bottom of the bed plank. This block bridges the gap between the bottom of the bed plank to the frame rail. The block is secured using a hex capscrew, flat washer, split-lock washer and castle nut. The castle nut is locked in placed with a cotter pin. On 1941-1946 trucks, two additional horizontal capscrews are installed through the side of the bed and the rear mounting block. These capscrews provide additional side strength for the bed.



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