That's the normal practice - square the sides up and tighten the bolts. On AD beds, the rear of the bedside was also welded to the rear cross sill. Don't know if that's what was done on your year range.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truck Follow this saga in Project Journal Photos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.
Yes, the rear lower cross piece that’s below the tailgate is welded to the bedside in a 1965 C10. As you tighten the bolts, check squareness by measuring from front to rear corner diagonally and make them match.
It was welded on the side that had damage, but not on the side without when I took things apart. Mine is a 66. If I don't like how it is once final assembly is done I guess I can always go under and weld it in.
Not much holds these bed sides up. No running without a tailgate, that's for sure.
I think it fit well enough together to move onto the next step. I got primer on remaining pieces and will order the tintable liner tomorrow.
I am going to spray everything once while it is in pieces to make sure there is a durable coating on all sides in holes etc, then assemble. Once assembled I am going to spray additional coats to make sure it all matches.
I think some of the rot issues we have is they primed, but assembled and then painted. I see no evidence of paint between the panels where they attached. Hoping I am setting the stage for a long trouble free finish.
Hmmm. I am going to paint and then assemble, with the intent of painting another coat after assembly. I guess I could grind off and weld and then shoot it again.