The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Bed Side/Corner Damage - 1947 3104

I recently completed the new bed wood project on my '47 and noticed some old/previous damage on the right rear bed side (see attached photos). As you can see, the bed side is bent to the outside about a half inch or so, from the middle of the bed side to the top.

I'd like to straighten this bed side at the corner, if possible. The rear stake pocket is pretty rigid. Any recommendations as to how I should attempt this?

Thanks,

Andy,
It looks to me like the bedside is actually pretty straight, but just twisted a bit and maybe bent slightly where it connects to the rear cross-sill.
I'd try using a come-along and with the tailgate open, pull the top of that bedside inward (anchor on the bottom of the opposite side to keep from bending it. If you can get it slightly inboard of the top of the tailgate, it should rebound a bit. Easy does it till you get it where it needs to be. Maybe loosen the bolts between the cross-sill and bedside first before pulling.

Also, check the tack weld(s) on the bottom of the bedside where it meets the rear cross sill. I bet it has broken. These boxes are usually welded together at that spot.

Thanks for the recommendations Kevin and Fox! I didn't have any time for the '47 today as I was out in the timber with my bow.......

I'll check the spot welds on the rear cross sill tomorrow. I plan to take another pic with a framing square in the inside corner of the bed to better show the issue at hand.

Thanks again,

Okay, here's the pic with a framing square in place. The rear cross sill welds appear to be in place and probably beefed-up a bit during a previous repair. I'll see if I can bend it a bit using Kevin's suggestion.

Thanks,