stepside Rear cross sill

[x1buellist]

I am restoring the bed on my 66 short stepside. I have taken most of it apart. I wanted to remove the rear cross sill and I have unbolted it. It wouldn't budge and than I realized the rear cross sill is welded to the stake pocket. I could easily cut the weld and since there are 4 bolts very near the weld holding it to the stake pocket. I am thinking it doesnt need to be welded there and I can just bolt it back on after I recondition it. Any thoughts on this?

Here's a pic with the weld circled. The bed is upside down and mostly disassembled in the picture.

[chopper john]

i had the same issue on my 60 . i cut it out . when i put it back on i just bolted it back

[oldsnakebite]

I did the same on my 64, used a cut off blade on my dremel tool, replaced the rear sill and just cleaned up the weld and then just bolted in back without welding.

[x1buellist]

OK great, I will just bolt mine back together also. Thanks.