LWB Outer Bedside Panel Removal Tips

[cedorris]

I've heard rumors that the outer bedside panels remove with bolts. Is that true? I plan on pulling one this evening and would like to know what I'm getting myself into. What will I need? What are the tricks?

[Sinister]

There are some welds towards the back at the bed floor by the tailgate. I've heard the bolts can be a bear and it might be easier to tighten them til they break.

[68gmsee]

If you mean the whole bedside yes that's correct. The outer panels on the bedsides are spot welded on.

I used a hacksaw to cut the welds at the back and then just removed all of th bolts. I broke a few and had to cut a few. Be sure and buy some new replacement bolts before removing the bedside.

[cedorris]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

If you mean the whole bedside yes that's correct. The outer panels on the bedsides are spot welded on.

I used a hacksaw to cut the welds at the back and then just removed all of th bolts. I broke a few and had to cut a few. Be sure and buy some new replacement bolts before removing the bedside.

I've removed the bolts at the front of the bed and the bolts under the wheel well. I can't seem to figure out how to separate the inner and outer bedside or find the spot welds.

[wzuke]

Take both inner and outer off together - new one back on the same way

[BIG ORANGE]

Look at the top of the bed beside the tailgate,then open the tailgate and right at the bottom of the bed were the tailgate lays down you can see the edge of the panel and the bed floor meet, there is a weld about 1/2 to 3/4 long and you can take a chisel and hammer and you can cut it lose.
Hope this helps.

[oldblue1968chevy]

bolts at bottom rear stakepocket.

[cedorris]

Here's a video of my bedside showing where I've removed bolts and what I think I have left.

Take a look and let me know if I'm close or where I need to go.

Thanks!

YouTube- 1972 LWB Bed Side Removal Tips Needed

[tim21391]

you are correct on the spot welds.. take the two tailgate things off the bedside on both sides and underneath there are a few bolts that go from the floor to the bedside.. also the wheel well bolts that run along the side of the bedfloor need to come out and all down the side like u mentioned in the video... if it was me id flip the whole bed over and work that way.. everything is bolted on except where u pointed out the welds.. hope this helps.. i had to do one couple months ago.. i had a few bolts spin on me so i wedged in a screwdriver from the floor to under the bedside to give it some tension so they would stop spinning.. it also would help if you could heat them up a little that is if you want to i didnt do that... i just broke each and every bolt off

[cedorris]

Originally Posted by tim21391

also the wheel well bolts that run along the side of the bedfloor need to come out and all down the side like u mentioned in the video

I thought the wheel wells were separate from the beside.

[Classic Heartbeat]

There are also 4 bolts on each side that bolt the very rear lower panel to the rear cross sill of the bed floor. You will have to lay on your back and look up near the rear corners to see them or remove the taillight assemblies and look down toward the ground and you will see the pointed ends of the rear 2. WES

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by cedorris

I thought the wheel wells were separate from the beside.

They are, but it's easier to remove them as one unit (keeps the bedside from falling over) and easier to get to the wheel well bolts when the bedside is on it's side. At least it was for me.

[tim21391]

ya i guess your right.. just thought u were taking it all apart