Welding Rear Crossmember on New Mar-K bed

[Atomsplitter]

I was talking to my local parts supplier that I got my new Mar-K bed parts from. He suggested that after the sides were bolted to the rear crossmember that I weld them together!
Anyone else do this or fell its necessary?

[OrrieG]

My original Fleetside had spot welds between the rear cross sill and sides to help keep the bed sides from moving around when the tail gate is open. I remember grinding them out when I removed mine. Cavet, my truck originally came with a lift gate so it may have been welded after the fact.

[Atommik]

When I disassembled my original 51 box, it was welded along the edge of the side panel to the rear panel. I'm going to build my own box, so I think I will be welding it up. I don't want the side panels to move in or out, as they may over time if they are only bolted.

[tmoble]

my original 57 short stepside was welded along the seams between the rear sill and the sides.

[_Ogre]

mine's welded



seriously... my original sill was welded too.

[youngrodder]

I welded mine as well, but that was so based on style over substance. I wanted to shave the bolts for a cleaner look. Also since my bed floor needed to be raised to accomidate my frame, I also welded a filler plate to the roll pan to finish the look. I only remaining bolts were for the tail lights and the hindges.


Marc

[oldcouple]

My 56 was welded, tacked on the ends, but after getting it crushed by a teacher at school, I chose to bolt the new one in just in case she did it again.

[Wvgearhead]

That is one sweet truck youngrodder!

[Flames97]

Youngrodder-Did you weld the front panel of the bed also?
That is a sweet truck by the way.

[OrrieG]

Front panel does not need it because the sides and end support each other in a 90 degree angle almost full height. Welding the back creates a little mini-moment connection to resist the side top moving laterally.

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by _Ogre

mine's welded



seriously... my original sill was welded too.

yours don't count! Ogre you are just different.


Makes life more interesting don't it though!
mark

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by mknittle

yours don't count! Ogre you are just different.


Makes life more interesting don't it though!
mark

It really does look nice! i like the idea and the workmanship!

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by youngrodder

I welded mine as well, but that was so based on style over substance. I wanted to shave the bolts for a cleaner look. Also since my bed floor needed to be raised to accomidate my frame, I also welded a filler plate to the roll pan to finish the look. I only remaining bolts were for the tail lights and the hindges.


Marc

Looks great Marc! is the filler bent toe a 90 degree L shape or is it shaped like the stock sill on top?

Mark

[youngrodder]

Originally Posted by mknittle

Looks great Marc! is the filler bent toe a 90 degree L shape or is it shaped like the stock sill on top?

Mark

Thanks for the kind words. Mine is not welded in the front. No need as mentioned by OrrieG. Plus with the way my bed mounts are, it would be difficult to remove the bed if the front was also welded.

As for the filler. I started with some thick bar stock welded in place. Then I took some sheet metal to close the gap.

Marc

[Flames97]

Thanks OrrieG and Youngrodder for the replies.