Bed Off Restoration

[Lefty]

My Ranger will be turning twenty in five months. I've needed to address a number of issues related to rust. I had it repainted already, but I will be going after the frame and the underside of the bed. None of this is exactly rocket science. Many of you have done the same. Still I hope to document the journey.

The bed has begun to show some holes. It grown soft and spongy, badly weakened out. The worst parts are just above the exhaust system: typical of Rangers. It looks even worse underneath. I'm not concerned. I plan to install a home made oak bed floor anyway.

 

[DILLARD000]

Good info for anyone with this era vehicle.
Keep us updated with lots of pics!

 

[Lefty]

Remove the bed by undoing these six bolts/screws. I used a torx 50 bit. Soak those bolts first with WD 40 or Liquid Wrench. A few of mine were so rusty they needed to be replaced.

 

[Lefty]

I chose to remove the tail lights in order get at all of the rusty bits. Four screws hold each lens in place. Detach the wires from the bed, and the little pigtail for the trailer lights. Also undo the three screws for the gas cap; of course the tailgate too.

 

[Lefty]

I built a wooden stand to hold the bed and enlisted three buddies to help. Some say this is a two man job. It's a lot easier with 4.

 

[Lefty]

The frame is so badly pitted that the rust cannot be sanded out. The plan includes a media blaster which cost $80.00.

 

[Blmpkn]

The frame is so badly pitted that the rust cannot be sanded out. The plan includes a media blaster which cost $80.00.

How big of a compressor do you have?

 

[Lefty]

How big of a compressor do you have?

I've got a 11/2hp and a 3 hp compressor. The gun I am using requires a minimum of 1hp. I bought this setup at Harbor Freight. I'm using 70 grit aluminum oxide. I could have bought a Tyvex suit, but will wear an N95 dust mask, goggles, gloves, scarf, and a hat. Don't ask me too many detailed questions. I've never done this before.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Definitely interested to see where this goes. And yes, I’ve moved these beds with two people, but it’s a lot easier with four. If I had a concrete pad, I’d be inclined to try using an engine lift

 

[racsan]

POR-15 is a good coating to use on frames.

 

[Lefty]

POR-15 is a good coating to use on frames.

Thanks! POR-15 is in the plan. There are some other wonderful products out there, but I chose this because if I run out, I can always buy more at the local auto parts store.

 

[19Walt93]

If you wire brush the loose rust off the frame and then coat it with POR 15 it will stop the rust. Media blasting it is probably overkill and it will be tough to keep the blast abrasive out of stuff like evap parts, etc.

 

[Lefty]

If you wire brush the loose rust off the frame and then coat it with POR 15 it will stop the rust. Media blasting it is probably overkill and it will be tough to keep the blast abrasive out of stuff like evap parts, etc.

Correct. Media blasting is not entirely necessary. I do not need to go all the way down to bare metal. Still, a wire brush or a sander will not get into the cracks and crevices where the rust is the worst.

I'm planning to wrap more sensitive parts with aluminum foil.

 

[19Walt93]

The POR will stick better if there's some surface rust, it doesn't work as well on bare metal.

 

[Lefty]

The POR will stick better if there's some surface rust, it doesn't work as well on bare metal.

Correct.