question about welding bedsides

[Metalaroundstone]

When I took apart the bed of my 66 fleetside, each bedside was welded to the rear cross member in two places. I was planning of re-welding everything in the same way when I put the bed back together. But now that I am putting it together, all nice and shiny, I am questioning whether or not it is necessary to re-weld. Anybody have any experience with leaving off these welds? Does it comprimise the stability of the bed?

Any recommendations to weld or not?

Thanks

[bpmcgee]

My '60 did not have the bed sides welded to the cross members at all.

B

[61K10]

I didn't re-weld mine. you can keep an eye on the bolts so they don't loosen up. Should be fine.

[oem4me]

It's my understanding that GMC's did not come welded. That's a chevy thing. So I'm guessing it would not be a problem leaving it alone.

[Metalaroundstone]

Originally Posted by oem4me

It's my understanding that GMC's did not come welded. That's a chevy thing. So I'm guessing it would not be a problem leaving it alone.

That is interesting. I wonder why chevy added the welds. Did you add the welds when redoing any of your trucks?

[oem4me]

Originally Posted by Metalaroundstone

That is interesting. I wonder why chevy added the welds. Did you add the welds when redoing any of your trucks?

Me personally, no. I don't own any GMC's, and nothing I presently own has been redone.

[60-66]

Chevy did this before the bed was painted. All Chevy beds were painted as an assembly. Most GMCs were, parts painted individually in finished color, then assembled . Ive done several this way freshly painted , no welds , you will be fine doing it that way. Tailgate needs to be installed before you finish tightening all the bolts for rear alignment of the bedsides.

[Metalaroundstone]

Thanks for the replies. Very helpful. I will see how it goes without the welds. I can always weld it later if it is not strong enough.