Trouble removing center bed strips

[Praxiss454]

Hi folks,

I am trying to remove the metal strips from my bed so I can clean them up and install new bed wood. However, I'm running into an access problem. I can't get to the back of this bolt. There is a frame cross member in the way and there isn't enough clearance for a socket wrench. Surely I am not the only one to encoutner this issue, so what did y'all do to address it? I would really prefer not to drill the bolt out because I'm going to have the same problem putting one back in.

Here's a pic to show what I'm talking about. I can't remove the bolt (yellow arrow) because of the bar going between the frame (red arrow).

[jayoldschool]

Grinder and sawzall are the tools for uninstalling strips.

[Captmatt]

All the bolts are accessible . Some are just difficult. Looks like the cross member you are talking about is the rear shock anchor. 1/4 thin wall sockets ,extension and swivel did mine. If for some reason that doesn't work you can easily move the bed a few inches on the frame, 8 bolts and your good to go. Your bed may not be centered on the frame to start with and that could be adding to your difficulties .

[Praxiss454]

Originally Posted by Captmatt

Looks like the cross member you are talking about is the rear shock anchor.

No, this is the cross member farther forward, perhaps a foot or so behind the cab. Maybe I can get a socket in there w/ a u-joint to get at the nut, but it seems like a super tight squeeze and it's going to be pretty tough. Unless that cross member is also just bolted in place?

[wfojon]

I just finished my 65 fleetside bed. I used a bolt cutter and had them all cut in a few hours, with the wood out there is plenty of room for the cutter. You have to remove the bed to frame bolts anyway so slide the bed around to get access. I just lifted my bed off the frame and did all the wood work with the bed suspended about 4 foot off the ground.
Jon

[Praxiss454]

Originally Posted by wfojon

You have to remove the bed to frame bolts anyway so slide the bed around to get access.

Oh yeah, I guess I will to get the pieces of wood installed and the bolts put back on. I wonder if this means I'm also going to have to remove my rear bumper, as it is the diamond plate accessory bumper that is mounted to the frame and wraps around the bed fenders.

['63GENIII]

At the very least, I would lift the bed off of the frame, keep it up with wood blocks (4x4s or something like that) and make sure its secure. You don't want it shifting and falling on a limb ect. I lifted mine off with block and tackle in my garage which allowed great access. If your bumper is bolted to the bed at the wrap around sides, the bolts will have to be undone at a minimum. The bumper may need to come completely off though. Did I say to make sure its secure? Ya that too.

[oldarky66]

Cutoff wheel on grinder makes short work of that. Slips between the bed strip and frame rail.

[DLW]

I just lifted my bed up a few inches to get at the nuts on the bottom. Even if you cut them all off, which might be faster if the threads are rusty and rough, you will need to lift it up anyway to get the new ones back on, at least in my case..

[Praxiss454]

Originally Posted by DLW

I just lifted my bed up a few inches to get at the nuts on the bottom. Even if you cut them all off, which might be faster if the threads are rusty and rough, you will need to lift it up anyway to get the new ones back on, at least in my case..

yeah that's what I'm thinking. If I can loosen the bolts and just lift the front a few inches that should do the trick. Will give it a shot this weekend.