Modifing/repair step bed
 

I was finally able to get back to working on this. If you are trying to use a 73-87 step bed with one of our trucks, this is one of the mods you'll have to do if you want to use the stock fenders.

Bear in mind...I didn't listen enough to my dad's welding instructiuons when I was a kid, so this is a relearning curve for me with a welder.

One of the mods that has to be done is lengthen the front sides so they will match up to the steps. Total height from top of bed to where the step meets is 22 1/8 in.

Clean up the side of the 84 bed

You'll need to put a stripp a couple inches wide to lengthen the bed side. I opted to try and reuse part of the old bed side that wasn't rusted. I cut the old step part off. Unfortunately with this one I goofed and the cut was to thin, so I am going to have to add about a 1/2" strip to make it the proper height.

here is the piece from the old bed

Like I mentioned, I nee to fill the gap. I decided to use some 18 gauge backer to step and weld against. Notice those fine welds. Thank goodness from grinders :rolleyes:

lookin good bill

Here is the top hooked up now. Again it's 22 1/8 from this edge to the top of the bed side.

Now the filler strips. Took me a while playing with welder feed and amp settings. Found some of my crappy looking wels was because the wire feed was slipping. It helped some, but I still have a lot of practice to get like some of you. Forgot how long this stuff takes.. Slow going for thoser of us with little patience at times.

Well here is where I stand at the end of the day. I need to clean it up some more, and I'm sure some bondo will be needed, but it came out OK. Hopefully the other side will go in smoother now that I know some tricks.

Thanks goodness for digital cameras. Hopefully my goofups will make it easier on some of you looking at using a nice 73-87 bed for your project.

Gotta go cover it so it won't rust sitting out there.

See ya next go round

Good Tips Bill...Keep up The Good Work...

Palf70Step, I have a 74 step side on my 72 chevy and it looks good. But I wish I had the original bed. Good job on your welding.

A.P.

Thanks Bill for the great info and pics...Looks good!

Day 2 work
Filled in the old fender holes. I'll be coming back for the final smoothing later.

Cleaned up the other side and primed the bare metal areas since it may be a while till I get back on it again. Sealed the area behind the new step piece and then coated it with spary on bed liner. I think that will keep it protected. least for now.

Side 2

Set up the old bed step piece for marking and cutting.

Tacked in place. It went much faster than yesterday. Welds are better but they still need lots of help. Where is my grinder??

Smoothed it up some, decided to put her to rest for now. It has een a long two days, Man I wish this welding body stuff went faster. It felt really good though as this is one of the biggest steps I've been able to do so that I can get the 70 back on the road. Hopefully I'll be able to finish up this bedside next weekend. Thanks for the rambling time.


Oh yeah...don't grind your finger. :mad: It hurts, trust me!! :D

Looks good Bill, at least you're getting some work done on yours. I am too busy working on Dammm Dodges to do anything but keep my truck driveable! I'll try to stop by when I go to the junk yard to get the wife's tranny.

Looks like you got good penetration. Everything is lined up.
Welding requires practice. It looks good. Keep it up.

EdB