1/2 ton bed question

[calebroberts]

Hello,

I'm about finished assembling my bed ('53) and I have a question. There are three bolts that pass throught the lower rear stake pockets and attach the bed sides to the rear cross member. These bolts also attach the tailgate hinge and taillight brackets. If I put 3" long bolts in and tighten then they just squeeze the parts together and bend the end of the cross member. There's notheing for the bolts to tighten up against. Am I missing something? I wonder if there's supposed to be some type of rigid spacer (like a short length of pipe) in between the front and rear of the cross member. Any suggestions?

thanks,
Caleb

 

[vwnate1]

IIRC ; you're supposed to be using shoulder bolts there...

I bet Mar-K has them or the definitive answer for you .they sell the neatest bed assembly booklet too ~ worth it's weight in gold IMO .

I'm sure you can make up some simple pipe spacers but be aware that anything that holds dirt , leaves etc. from falling out the bottom of that pocket will cause you serious rust issues in the pinchweld...

My '49's left rear pocket got packed full of sand and left like that for Lord alone knows how many years , eventually the pinchweld burst , requiring me to grind it and have welded back up , just one more ugly scar on a 56 year old work truck...