Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

I'm replacing the tail light panel on my 63 fleetside and asking what guys have done to tack weld the panel back. I can drill some holes in the lower portion of the bedside to tack weld but no way to get in the top portion. I'm sure I'll figure it out eventually but that's usually after I've tore something up. :haha: Thanks for any help.

http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/...ps56dc4b8b.jpg
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Re: Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

Panel bond

Re: Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

That's what I was thinking. Cut the old one off without damaging the bed, clean up real good and get a good panel bond. I'll need to make sure to keep the seam between bed side and tail light panel clean so it looks good. Think I'll head to the local body supply shop and see what they have. I've heard good things about panel adhesives. Just seems weird not welding it. Thanks for your help. I figured more guys had done this.
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Re: Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

I have a pair also just havent done it yet, so Ill be watchin you

Re: Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

Great, I feel the pressure on me now.
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Re: Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

I'll be watching as well, that's double the pressure now!

Re: Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

my buddy is a bodyman 30+ yrs, and I've seen that the metal will tear before the panel bond lets go on pickup rear bedsides. It is pretty amazing stuff.

Re: Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

I've seen those videos also, I'll give it a try. Lots of info on you tube on panel adhesive.
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Re: Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

I could also weld the joint on the outside and smooth it like I've seen on some other trucks on here. Just getting ideas.

Like this
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/...ps6aea211c.png
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Re: Fleetside tail light replacement help
 

This is what I ended up doing. I removed the lower section that I could spot Weld to the side panel.

Before picture.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/...pse15f499f.jpg

After I cut the lower section out.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/...psbd8038e3.jpg

After all welded back together.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/...ps18dfbd15.jpg

Expoxy primered and ready for body filler and primer.
http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/...ps25c7be3b.jpg