Stuck bed bolt

[EricNobody]

Sooo, got 5 out without a fight, the one over the tank broke the clip and will not unscrew. My father stripped the head, and started drilling it out, I've got a 1/4 inch hole down to bellow the head, dad screwed up my 3/8 and 1/2" bits trying to do the next layer. Any suggestions on getting that sucker out so I can change my freaking fuel pump?





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[cvar]

Either cut it off with angle grinder (or cutting torch), or else use 1/2" drill bit on the head to snap it off.

 

[Mark_88]

Yeah, angle grinder with a cutoff wheel will work on the top...when you get the bed off you can get at the bottom end...just put something metal under the head of the bolt to protect the bed from the cutting wheel...the washer should cover it...but just in case...those grinders can take off pretty quick if they bind...

I wouldn't use a torch near it myself...not with the bed on there anyway...even the sparks from a grinder "could" ignite a gas leak...

 

[jhammel85]

All of mine broke or spun off the clips. I ended up cutting an X in the head and chipped the head apart.

 

[Dugan]

All of mine broke or spun off the clips. I ended up cutting an X in the head and chipped the head apart.

did this on a 78 f150 i had to get the bed off of. PIA but it does work eventually.

 

[EricNobody]

So, I'm going to borrow my buddy's angle grinder, grab a pack of discs, and go at it.



Can any of you suggest a cut pattern?



I'm not sure if I should try to cut as flat as possible, or if I should come in at like 10deg from both sides, and the grind off the remainder vertically? I've used grinders to cut before, but not this close to a surface I want to keep unmolested.





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[alwaysFlOoReD]

Cut an X or * into the top of the bolt. So your cutting disc is at 90 degrees to the bed. Grind down to just about through and then use a cold chisel to knock off the bits of the head. Use a cutting disc; .045", at most 1/8"....more control preventing slips.

Richard

 

[EricNobody]

Excellent! Thank you!


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[stuntsunltd.]

Bed Bolt replacement

Scour your local salvage yard or Pick-A-Part for a set of bed bolts and clips from an F-150. Have seen several posts on here as well as other forums abt using these for replacement. They fit and are a stronger replacement. Also much cheaper than buying from the Ford house.

 

[parabellum1130]

i got mine from ford $5.ea.... and had to buy in paks of 4 ....i groung the head off with a grinder n just cut the side of the clip then it just falls out

i ended up replacing every bolt nut pirch n bushing on the rear section....so i wouldnt have to worry bout it again