1958-59 Fleetside Roll Pan and Tailgate installation Questions

[alden]

The 58 I just bought came with a roll pan already painted and ready to mount but I didn't want to dive in until I checked to see what other people have done to put theirs on.

The one I've got has bolt holes at the top and side but I don't know if that is the best route or if I should just pay a bodyshop to weld it in place. Also if anyone has bolted theirs on, did you put anything in between the metal parts i.e. a rubber gasket etc?

Also, The truck came with a nice new tailgate and the hinge pins but somewhere along the way the previous owner shaved the bolt holes in the bedsides where the chains attach so I think my only option is a hidden latch system. Who's done this before and did you find it easy? Is there cutting involved or are they bolt in?

Thanks!

[meter swinger]

Nice truck man.
I have thought the same thing about the tailgate. ive seen a couple done without chains at some car shows and didnt have enough sense to get some pics! Doh! Maybe some of the 60-66 guys have done it since they have the same tailgate.
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[meter swinger]

it can be done. also the exhaust, route it like this through the pan after you get it done you can tell me how to do it

[OrrieG]

Mar-K web site has how to tech files on roll pan and hidden latch install. I got the hidden latchs, minimal drilling and grinding. If I was going to run a roll pan I would NOT weld it to the bed sides unless I was absolutely sure I would never have to take it off. But then I drive my 4wd and tend to back into cut banks, logs, etc. I would bolt to the back bed sill and sides with fender welting.

http://www.mar-k.com/58-66_GM_Fleet_TG_hidden_latch.pdf
http://www.mar-k.com/rear_pan_installation.html (this is pretty general)

[alden]

Awesome Orrie, thanks for the tip!

On another bed related note, the inner fenders are not mounted currently and I don't have the bolts for it. I can't find any place that sells them (to mount to the bed sides, not the bed floor). Any thoughts where to look or what I could go with? I guess my backup will just be going to lowes and seeing if I can find something that matches.

[OrrieG]

Originally Posted by alden

Awesome Orrie, thanks for the tip!

On another bed related note, the inner fenders are not mounted currently and I don't have the bolts for it. I can't find any place that sells them (to mount to the bed sides, not the bed floor). Any thoughts where to look or what I could go with? I guess my backup will just be going to lowes and seeing if I can find something that matches.

i will dig out my stock bolts tomorrow and photo. need to clean them up anyway.

[OrrieG]

Standard 7/16" shoulder bolt with self locking knurling. threads are 5/8" long, standard length at hardware store will probably be 3/4" which will work if you do not have tire clearance issues.

[alden]

awesome, I can't thank you enough!