Mar-k bed trouble

[samples45]

I bought a new bed for my 55 from mar-k and can not get it squared to save my life. The instruction say 50 inches across and I can get that measurement but when I put a level on the besides its not level up and down. Once I level them then the besides move to 49 and half at the top. And it's been a inch and over off when I cross measure.. Been working on this a week. Anyone got a ideal?

[Jemezcrusher]

Just put my new MAR-K this weekend. I set it on blocks and assembled the sides, front, and rear sill. Measures 50" top to bottom at the front, snugged up. Did the diagnal corner to corner (94.25" on mine each way after futzing with it. Used a bar clamp across the bottom of the rear sill and pulled it to 50". Used another bar clamp across the top, pulled it to 50", checked the up rights for square and tightened it up.

Seems to be good

[samples45]

Originally Posted by Jemezcrusher

Just put my new MAR-K this weekend. I set it on blocks and assembled the sides, front, and rear sill. Measures 50" top to bottom at the front, snugged up. Did the diagnal corner to corner (94.25" on mine each way after futzing with it. Used a bar clamp across the bottom of the rear sill and pulled it to 50". Used another bar clamp across the top, pulled it to 50", checked the up rights for square and tightened it up.

Seems to be good

Okay thanks, I'll give the clamps a try.. I was wondering if anyone else has had the problem.. It's been a painful fight lol the bolts in the rear sill keep getting in a bind also. I'll give it another try thanks

[samples45]

Originally Posted by Jemezcrusher

Just put my new MAR-K this weekend. I set it on blocks and assembled the sides, front, and rear sill. Measures 50" top to bottom at the front, snugged up. Did the diagnal corner to corner (94.25" on mine each way after futzing with it. Used a bar clamp across the bottom of the rear sill and pulled it to 50". Used another bar clamp across the top, pulled it to 50", checked the up rights for square and tightened it up.

Seems to be good

Is there anyway you could measure how long your rear cross sill is?

[samples45]

Originally Posted by Jemezcrusher

Just put my new MAR-K this weekend. I set it on blocks and assembled the sides, front, and rear sill. Measures 50" top to bottom at the front, snugged up. Did the diagnal corner to corner (94.25" on mine each way after futzing with it. Used a bar clamp across the bottom of the rear sill and pulled it to 50". Used another bar clamp across the top, pulled it to 50", checked the up rights for square and tightened it up.

Seems to be good

Is there anyway you could measure how long your rear cross sill is?

[OrrieG]

Did you start out with level bed sills? If the sills are level side to side and across the length, then the bed sides should be level. The front sill will set the width at the top and bottom. I did mine off or the frame to make sure any problems with the frame did not affect the level. Mine (a fleetside but same principle) wanted to bow in the middle bottom of the sides so I used MC ratchet straps to pull it in. I rechecked the front bottom panel for level, rear sill for level and bed sides and sill length for level. Then used a carpenter square on the rear open end to set the side plumb. I then checked diagonally for square. Then tightened up the rear sill to side bolts. Note that on mine the sides were spot welded to the rear sill to keep the sides plumb. If they keep warping inward you might need to install the tailgate or make up a brace to maintain the width until final assembly and spot welding.

[Jemezcrusher]

Originally Posted by samples45

Is there anyway you could measure how long your rear cross sill is?

It is together so the sill is covered. I may be able to look underneath and get a measurement.

[samples45]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

Did you start out with level bed sills? If the sills are level side to side and across the length, then the bed sides should be level. The front sill will set the width at the top and bottom. I did mine off or the frame to make sure any problems with the frame did not affect the level. Mine (a fleetside but same principle) wanted to bow in the middle bottom of the sides so I used MC ratchet straps to pull it in. I rechecked the front bottom panel for level, rear sill for level and bed sides and sill length for level. Then used a carpenter square on the rear open end to set the side plumb. I then checked diagonally for square. Then tightened up the rear sill to side bolts. Note that on mine the sides were spot welded to the rear sill to keep the sides plumb. If they keep warping inward you might need to install the tailgate or make up a brace to maintain the width until final assembly and spot welding.

thanks for the response, i never thought about using the 90 on the top of the rear sill against the bedsides

[samples45]

wanted to update on my troubles. i headed out to the shop this morning and put the tailgate on and of course it wouldnt close. so i loosend the bolts in the rear cross sill and put a level on the besides got it level and tighted everything up. the tail gate closed with out any troubles and the gaps were good. i checked and had 50 inches across and was square on the cross measurements. im not sure why i wasnt able to square this thing up but it worked for me this moring so i went with it! thanks guys for all the help!

[tmoble]

Sometimes things are just a PITA. Mine seems to be addicted to blood sacrifices.

[Jemezcrusher]

Originally Posted by samples45

Is there anyway you could measure how long your rear cross sill is?

My rear sill is exactly 56 inches wide. Fits three inches in to the corner supports on each side

[Jemezcrusher]

Originally Posted by tmoble

Sometimes things are just a PITA. Mine seems to be addicted to blood sacrifices.

Mine did not draw blood until I was putting in bolts through the cross sills. Am doing the mock up so get to look forward to taking it all apart, painting/staining and putting it all back together...........again

[OrrieG]

[57chevyman]

I assembled my bed piece by piece onto the truck and I had no issues. I found a youtube video of a guy assembling the bed on his yellow '55 truck. I followed his steps and the whole thing was done in under two hours

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1WSUHhDbK4

I found this video very helpfull