How to assemble bed?

[scuderia]

So got my truck with the bed in pieces and have just scored some original wood and need to start the process of putting it back together. I hear guys say it's best to remove the bed to install the wood so I figure I'm one step ahead.... Then I see photos of what looks like the entire bed assembled but just not on the frame?? Can someone shed a light on the easiest way to assemble.. Thank you

[earl84]

Probably easiest with the bed off and standing up. This is due to having easy access to the 100,000 nuts that hold it all in place. Laying on your back with all the frame and suspension in the way is not easy or fun. That's the way I was forced to do it because I work alone, and it took me every bit of 8 hours to do it.
You will have to have some help to then lift it onto the frame, either people or an engine hoist with some type of apparatus to attach to the bed.

[62 Barnfind]

Step or fleet?

[scuderia]

Originally Posted by 62 Barnfind

Step or fleet?

fleetside...

[jayoldschool]

I took my bed off with an engine hoist and a recovery strap. Put it on stands. Did the cross sill install, wood install, strips, header panel, tubs myself. It was a pain doing the strip bolts because I had to keep sliding under and getting up to put bolts in.

Started with this:



Made these:



Put things together:



Ended up with this:



Truck is back together:



Although... I had a bad day when the wind blew the bed of the metal stands. I switched to good jackstands after this.

[brut]

i put the bed on stands too, is a lot of work with all the screws...