Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

I' building a 56 chevy step side short box and the previous owner welded the top of the stake pockets to the round section of the bed rail. They even used a punch on the inside of the pocket to hammer out the pocket face closer to the rail. It's pretty ugly, but I've looked at a few other tri-5's and they're the same way. Anyone came across this? How'd you address it? Cutting it free and cleaning up the mess on 4 pockets would be a bunch of work, so would replacing the pockets. I could grind some of the old weld out and add enough to blend it all in? Any other ideas would be appreciated.
Tx, Dave

Re: Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

You may want to repost this in the 47-59 section of have a moderator move it.
Good luck!

Re: Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

Pics!!...

Re: Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

I'll attach some pics tonight. Imagine the outside face of the stake pocket welded to the underside of the round rolled over bed rail. I attached a quick drawing for now. Sorry it appears 90 degrees off, but should explain what they've done.

Re: Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

My 57 is like that but it looks like they were made that way from the factory, not sure on the 56. The truck was built in Canada if that makes any difference.

Re: Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

im actually getting ready to install a set on my old bedsides on my '52. I figure it will be good practice before i try it on my better bedsides.

Re: Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

Mine are welded like that on my ‘57, looks original. My top tube and flat area needed to be adjusted so it set flat. I cut the ones that needed adjustment loose, leveled the tops side to side and rewelded them where they were happy.

Re: Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

Get a chain saw file and dress the welds up. Probably for a bigger saw. About 3 bucks at the hardware if you aren't a guy who has a chain saw but those files are great for things line that or any smaller hole you need to dress up a bit.

Re: Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

If you cut the weld completely, the rolled edge will be quite flimsy.

Re: Stake pocket welded to bed rail
 

Thanks for the feedback guys. I had a look at a couple other trucks last night. Both were finished 60's stepsides and had the weld. Pretty sure it's factory, mine was just redone VERY badly. I'll clean it it with a die grinder, run another pass if needed.
We've mounted the 56 on a shortened 2006 chevy 4x4 chassis. Still lots to do, but slowly making progress.