Welding in a bed floor?
 

I have a quick question, I am having a little trouble locating a decent 8 ft. bed to replace my bed that I cut a hole in for the step notches to come through, I was thinking about buying 2 of the patch panels and welding them in, instead of searching for a whole new bed. My question is how much of a pain in the ass is it to weld them in? Do I need to worry about the bed being weak? Should I brace it underneath with anything?

Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

noone has welded in a bed floor panel??

Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

I thought the bedsides on the 73-87 only had a few places that it was welded, otherwise it is a bolt in ordeal.

Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

How much do you have cut out? If all the factory bracing is there, just burn it in like any other patch panel. If the bracing is cut out you need to put that back first.

Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

years ago i had a b ed in my back yard and the neighbors started whining about it so i took it apart and stored it in pieces.. the only welds were two tack welds in the bottom by the tailgate... I woul put the patch panel under the bed and weld from the top . if its in between the braces where y oure replacing it it wont make the bed weaker

Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

I'm sorry I didn't explain myself good enough. I cut my bed from wheel well to wheel well in order for my rear suspension to be able to raise through the bed. I have since changed my mind and decided to do a stock looking raised bed floor, I don't have the piece I cut out, so I want to buy new patches but I'm worried that the bed won't be strong when I weld it in.
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Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

I think it should be ok....you could allways do a wood bed floor?

Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

Yeah, just weld it up like any other patch panel.

Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

A word to the wise, so listen up. Be EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS WHEN WELDING\TORCH CUTTING ANY METAL THAT IS GALVANIZED!!!! The coating is zink and our bodies use this heavy metal BUT, the yellow\blue smoke given off when burning or welding is DEADLY!! It causes all sorts of pulminary problems and is known for sure to cause cancer in humans. If you have to cut, use a sawsall or some other type of cutter. If you weld, grind the stuff off. It's clearly visible when it's gone. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS wear a GOOD respirator whenever you work with any galvanized product. jim

Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

Thanks for the great reminder.
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Re: Welding in a bed floor?
 

Galvanize also gives a killer headache, but if you drink milk it takes it away
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