'66 LWB bed dissasembly question

[chucks1967]

Im in the process of restoring a LWB bed and need some help with the dissasembly. The rear sill is tripping me up at the min. There are 2 bolts on each side holing the sill in place as well as the welded portion. What is the best method of breaking that weld without cutting out the entire tail light panel? Any and all help would be appreciated...

[LILRED66]

Good question and one that is often asked. After removing the fasteners from the rear cross sill, I have found it easiest to cut the weld with a thin "ZIP" wheel or cutting wheel in a cut-off tool or die grinder. You don't have to cut all the way through, a little over halfway will weaken it enough to work the rear cross sill loose. By doing so, you don't have to cut into any sheet metal.

When reinstalling, I do not replace the welded connections. I believe the original intent of the welds was to help eliminate racking, but if you handle the assembly carefully, this will not happen.

I hope this information was helpful and good luck with your project.

PS-Don't forget to post photos...lots of photos.

Last, but not least, welcome to the forums from Kansas City, KS!

[kizer]

Learn from my mistakes.
http://www.links4jeeps.com/chevytruck/news.php?id=61

[chucks1967]

Thanks a lot guys! I don't have a pneumatic cut off tool, but I do have an angle grinder that I can put a cut off wheel on. the only problem is getting it in the little area.. Ill just be careful and work it in...Ill have some pics up soon. Thanks again.

[joe231]

I used a 4 1/2" grinder with a cut off wheel....as long as the wheel is new it will reach in there.
Good luck!

[collins10672]

i have used a sharp chisel and a small hand held sledge hammer to break the weld after taking all of the bolts out up under the tailight panel.

[chucks1967]

Well I went to the local hardware store and got one of those small hand hack saws. It did the trick... took some time but made a clean cut. Made my day! Thanks guys.

[joe231]

pics or it didn't happen

[kizer]

Originally Posted by joe231

pics or it didn't happen

Darn Picture Police.

Woooohooo my idea worked again. I need to patent it. Is that even possible thou. Nah, I'll have to come up with something else a little cooler.

[chucks1967]

I haven't had the time to take the pics, been busy and forgot... I need to start a pic diary, but its to late to start from the beginning as Ive already got the bed apart and laying pieces in my garage... Ill try to get some up tonight when I get to the house. on a side note, are there any good readings on how to make a 71-? bed floor work in our trucks? has any one done it? I was going to go with diamond plate until I found out how much it cost, and its just not worth the extra money to me.