Need suggestion for tie down points in 69 c10

[rally]

Does anyone have a suggestion for installing some tie down points in the bed of a 69 c10? Brand/type, that sort of thing?

It won't be for anything too crazy other than, say, buying some stuff from lowes or home depot and tying it down in the bed so it doesn't fall out on the way home. Something that requires minimal cutting preferably.

The bed does have the square holes on the top of the box, so maybe something that works well with those?

[davepl]

Interested, subscribing. I was thinking this just a couple of weeks ago, how they surprisingly didn't really incorporate -anything- handy for securing loads.

[joeminnesota]

I used some of these years ago.. Not bad, cheap and not permanent. No drilling required. Found them on Amazon. search "Stake Pocket Tie downs"

[Coley]

Originally Posted by joeminnesota

I used some of these years ago.. Not bad, cheap and not permanent. No drilling required. Found them on Amazon. search "Stake Pocket Tie downs"

Yep...I've got a couple of these myself.
As Joe mentions...not too heavy duty but good for light, general stuff.
There is one more type that is similar that has a little better looking eyelet in the top...if that matters.

Coley

[serge]

Originally Posted by joeminnesota

I used some of these years ago.. Not bad, cheap and not permanent. No drilling required. Found them on Amazon. search "Stake Pocket Tie downs"

Just bought 4 of these at NAPA last week for under 4$ each.

[El Dorado Jim]

Originally Posted by joeminnesota

I used some of these years ago.. Not bad, cheap and not permanent. No drilling required. Found them on Amazon. search "Stake Pocket Tie downs"

good idea, simple and removable

[rally]

Originally Posted by joeminnesota

I used some of these years ago.. Not bad, cheap and not permanent. No drilling required. Found them on Amazon. search "Stake Pocket Tie downs"

I bought a couple of these years ago for another vehicle. Never used them though so i dont know how stable they are. Definitely an option though.

[Hook'em]

I've rigged I-bolts through the holes lower down in the bed stake holes. It'd be nice to have tie downs on the bottom of the bed, but these work for everything I've ever needed them to.

[El Dorado Jim]

good thread, I have been thinking of what to install in my '72 also, don't want to add outside tiedowns

[OUbesto]

Bought these from Amazon. Work really well for light tie down stuff. They come out easily when not being used.

Amazon.com: 3in1 Truck Ties (stake pocket...

[Fatherflash]

If you are heart set on getting and installing tie down points, ensure you attach these points to the underlying structure, not just the bed sheet metal or even the side pockets. These products will keep "stuff" in your bed however, they will fail when you are in an accident. If they fail at this worst moment, all that stuff in your bed is now airborne and who knows where it will go or end up.

I have played with building my own tie down point system using C channel, movable retention ring location in C channel, distributed bolt system to spread the retention load across the area / bed, and then run the numbers through computer simulation at work. I found the best system was bolting c channel to the floor of the bed through the underlying metallic cross straps however, this all failed at approximately 6 to 9 G's with the whole system usually pulling out of the retention points in simulation*. I added reinforcing plates in simulation to the bolt thru system which did greatly improve retention however, it became very cumbersome and time consuming. Given most accidents exceed 20 G's at initial contact, this system just doesn't give me the retention I want for stuff in my bed. I scrapped the whole plan and effort.

FYI - what I did find interesting is the best retention for strapping, the fabric straps I used to attach the load to the frame was 40 to 45 degrees. I also did simulation on the straps folks can buy in stores and found most are seriously lacking when it comes to retention during a vehicles worst moment. The fabric used just does not have the retention power to hold "stuff" in your bed. I also read a bunch of old military manuals I have and found they do state that strapping is naturally just as important as the structure and to ensure the straps do not exceed more than 160 degrees turning/twisting on themselves. Exceeding this limit places excess pressure on that location which promotes failure.

I know this a lot more info than you asked for however, I just wanted to share my experiences before someone else burns a lot of calories. If you are still considering this, go look at the bed retention system in the Nissan Titan and see what you can come up with.

[In The Ten Ring]

I have this same dilemma. The PO just put in some lag bolts with eyes but those intrude too far into the box space (stepside). I may try something like this here.

http://images.uscargocontrol.com/250...ring_1_640.jpg

My bed is made of 1/8 inch steel sheet, so I may be able to just put a similar bit of steel under the bed part and bolt through it. I'd really like to countersink these if I could.

If I ever get another truck I'll get a wood bed and then countersinking tie downs won't be a problem.

Now this looks interesting for a fellow with a corrugated metal bed....not sure how strong that looks but it's an idea.

http://f.tqn.com/y/trucks/1/S/L/Y/06TacomaDetails15.jpg

Whatever you go with, I'd bolt it down solid, making a bracket to fit onto the other side and bolting through that also. Tie stuff down hard core! Not letting air flow get under something is key.

[Jonlopes]

I use these

Amazon.com: ProGrip 822920 3/8" Removable...
When you remove the bolt you can hardly see what is left.

[El Dorado Jim]

Originally Posted by Jonlopes

I use these

Amazon.com: ProGrip 822920 3/8" Removable Trailer Bed Bolt with 2" Shank - Pair: Automotive

When you remove the bolt you can hardly see what is left.

I like those!!!

[FirstOwner69]

Originally Posted by Jonlopes

I use these

Amazon.com: ProGrip 822920 3/8" Removable Trailer Bed Bolt with 2" Shank - Pair: Automotive

When you remove the bolt you can hardly see what is left.

I saw some of those today at an Ace Hardware store being sold as hold downs for deck furniture.

[rally]

Originally Posted by FirstOwner69

I saw some of those today at an Ace Hardware store being sold as hold downs for deck furniture.

I was thinking something like that would be good. Ill have to run down to Ace and see if they have any.

[special-K]

Back when men were brave they used these :