1985 Short Bed

[portrodder]

Originally Posted by 83swb

I would grind the rivets out and drill all the way through, then install some hardware. Would probably be the only option.

Thanks 83swb, that's kind of what I was thinking, didn't see any other way.

[portrodder]

Originally Posted by C.W

I ground and punched out the rivets and used carriage bolts that I picked up at a hardware store. Think I used an old wore out philips head as a punch to add the squared corners for the carriage head to seat in and used lock nuts with lock washers on the bottom.
Chose the carriage bolts to avoid the possibility of a bolt head rubbing the tank, although it may not either way.
Hope all that makes sense.

Thank C.W and your explanation makes a lot of sense. Going to try a combination of what you and 83swb suggested.

[portrodder]

Well, it's been a long winter and a long time since my last post. Now that spring is here I'm looking forward to getting back to work on the truck. Made some progress by getting the frame off the trailer, where it laid all winter, and up on jack stands to start the rebuild. Headed to Tractor Supply to get some grade 8 bolts to put the front cross member back on.

[portrodder]

Its been a little slow for now because of all of the rain we have been getting here but I did manage to get the front cross member bolted on and torque to spec. Next is to work on getting the control arms ready to bolt on.