'69 Fleetside bedside repair and wood floor replacement

[Oxmarqt]

So I searched here and on the Internet in general and realized that my Googlefoo was weak. Basically found squat so I thought I would begin to document this process so the next guy has something.

It all started when I noticed the Driver front corner of the bed starting to sag. Upon investigation I discovered that the flange on the bedside that sits on the wood had rusted away. Unfortunately I also discovered that the inner bedside at the wheel tubs was rotted on both sides as well as portions of the flanges at 2 other corners and part of the rear cross sill. Ugh...

The PO of my truck had covered the floor with plywood and then coated the floor and bedsides with bed liner. Oh well, I am taking the opportunity to fix the rusted areas with patch panels, replacing the floor with new wood, new cross sills, new rear harness(old one was cut and patched many times, get rid of the liner and Por-15 anything that the bed makes inaccessible. When I replace the rear trailing arms I will get a little more detailed with the Por-15 but that is down the road.

Purchased the bed wood kit, flange panels and cross sills from Mar-k, the wheel tubs and outer wheel house patch panels from GMC Paul and the inner wheel house patch panels from LMC.

Hopefully all goes well!

[Oxmarqt]

Here is where I am so far...

The beginning:

[Oxmarqt]

After removing everything I was then able to power wash, de-grease and apply a metal prep/etcher. Once it all dried I began the Por-15. Now remember, I am only coating with detail anything I can't get to with the bed on.

When I replace the trailing arms I will be able to get the axle better and also get into all the nooks and crannies.







That is where I stand at this point with the truck. I have the wood finished but have not taken any pictures yet. Went with the pine and put a Honey finish on it. More to come as the process goes along.

[Oxmarqt]

Today's photo update. Not much done today. Just put the final top coat on the frame and differential and finished the cross sills. Hoping to get the metal work and paint done by middle of next week so i can start the reassembly. Plan on painting the strips this weekend.

[SierraMtns]

Awesome job. Bed is coming out really nice.

[SS Tim]

Looks Good!
Its a lot of work to get to this point.
Do you need any measurements?
While I know the wood is mocked up, remember the strips all have the double holes forward.