Bed removal....

[legotech7]

Hi all... I have a 1970 c10 I would like to remove the bed off the frame. I looked around the forum but couldn't find any information on how to go about removing the bed. Does any one know the steps and if you have any pics, that would be very much appreciated.

Thanks again.......

[cdowns]

held on by 6 or 8 bolts // unbolt them or just grind them off // then you lift it off and put it down

[FLcustom10]

There are carriage bolts from the bed through the frame. It unbolts from underneath, but I had to cut a few. Also check for ground straps and that the wiring harness is free from the bed.

[legotech7]

So there are about 8 bolts total? And does the wiring harness run along side the frame? Should I remove the rear tail lights and side marker lights first? Thank guys. I'm a little new at this and could use all the help I can get...........

[FLcustom10]

Yes, no more than 8 bolts. You will need to unplug the tail light wiring harness from the first cross member of the frame. You should not have to remove the lights yet. I think the rest of the wiring harness should be OK running along the frame and not be in your way.

[legotech7]

Cool. I'm doing an air bag install and removing the bed will make things a bit easier..

Thanks again......

[Steve Hafner]

. . . .

If you have access to the kind of lift in the picture below, it will be a lot easier.

This really helped when mine was put back together.

Just drive out . . . and drive back under !!!

. . . .

[legotech7]

Well, I was thinking of using an engine hoist to lift it. I saw it some where in some of the other forums if I recall...........

[gale]

The bed is not that heavy. I'm 73, weigh about 160, and I was able to handle one side while another person handled the opposite side. We picked it up and walked with it to where we wanted to set it down. This was a long bed.

The wire harness plugs together left/rear.

All bolts are 3/8 carriage bolts so a 9/16 socket should do it. Spray the bolts with Kroil or something similar before you start. A 50/50 mix of acetone and ATF fluid is even better for cutting through the rust.

If I don't have help AND the truck is on concrete I use my engine hoist. Walking with it quickest.

[legotech7]

Thank you gale, I think the hoist will make quick work of it. I have a dolly I used from another project to set the bed down. Thanks again for the wonderful information, I should make good use of it all...........

[lousyflyer]

Do yourself a favor. Get three friends to help. It only takes a minute and everybody wants to work on old trucks for just about that length of time.

If you put the truck on jackstands and remove the rear tires you don't have to lift the bed as high to slide it off the back of the frame.

[colgad]

If you do this by yourself like I do I spent 189.00 and got a tool.
Mine is from Innovative Tools but they do sell them at NorthernTool also.
I have done this with 2 2x4's with a eye bolt through the middle and a engine lift and I got it done but it was scary.
I have done it with friends and it's fine before painting but after it's too risky for me.

[legotech7]

Wow Clogad thanks for the Idea, I have lifted empty truck cabs with my lift and and a whole Beetle body with no issues. But the tool might be a safer option. I think I can even build my own... Looks fairly simple... Thanks........