Yesterday we were able to spend a few hours on the bed project. Welded the pipe on the top rails and did some planning for the tail light pockets.
The tail light pockets will be constructed out of front stake pockets purchased from Mar-K. We cut the stake pockets vertically and flattened out the flanges, leaving the beaded 90 degree bends. One half of the stake pocket will be welded (upside down) to the back of the rear stake pocket with the top notched and flush with the outside of the bed rail pipe. The other half (with a strip of flat metal added in between to increase width) will be welded to the back of the bed sides (which were extended by 1.675"). The a hole will be cut in the rear flange for the tail light, with a box welded inside to support the light. Got all that? LOL
We are using tail lights from a 78 Ford F150. I sure hope lightning does not strike me for that part.
Our next work day is planned for 3/21.
