Snapped Bed Bolts

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Aaaaand I'm off to the quote thread!...

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

I got to update my phone. I'll look in once it's done.

 

[Bill]

"Snapped Bed Bolts"

That title leaves a lot to the imagination. I was going to suggest a diet. Or maybe that the women you like are too big. But, I see it is about the truck bed.

 

[SenorNoob]

A good sharp cold chisel will cut that bolt off if you can hold it still enough to absorb the impact. Maybe try wedging a large nut between it and the side of the frame?

 

[rumblecloud]

Interesting read...
I'm planning on pulling my bed this summer for some frame prep. I think I'll start the PB treatment now --- 6 months worth ought to help a little.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Interesting read...
I'm planning on pulling my bed this summer for some frame prep. I think I'll start the PB treatment now --- 6 months worth ought to help a little.

Acetone and ATF… just saying…

 

[don4331]

OK, I'm confused: I though the '97 cab mounts were welded into slots on the frame, so there shouldn't be anything behind the cab. (But I don't work with pre-'98s much).

Clip on my Ranger frame for bed bolt.

You will note that if you cut the "C" of the clip, the "nut" (and whatever is in it) just falls off. If the bolt is hung up in the hole in the frame, a punch and BFH drives it down.

Personally, I would take "sparky" (side grinder) with a thin cutoff blade, right along the top of the frame (between frame and cab mount) and slice it off (vice grips underneath to prevent spinning) <I've removed box by cutting 5 of 6 bolts from underneath using this method - the original owner had box lined but didn't remove the bolts, so there was no hope of getting Torx in; The driver's front had to be removed from above...carefully by sparky>.

 

[don4331]

Acetone and ATF… just saying…

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms?

 

[sgtsandman]

Interesting read...
I'm planning on pulling my bed this summer for some frame prep. I think I'll start the PB treatment now --- 6 months worth ought to help a little.

I used a 1/2" drive impact gun. I had to do the loosen and tighten drill on a few of them. The neighbor's grandson wasn't very appreciative. He kept yelling at me that he was trying to watch tv.

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

So, Tomryan
Do you happen to have any updates?
Or was it a to busy to do anything kind of day?
Or was it a leave alone for now before it makes you so mad you brake something kind of day?

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms?

Who’s bringing the chips and dip??

 

[Jim Oaks]

​

I forgot how fun this bolt was. I had this same problem way back when I put a body lift on TRS-1.

You need to get a saw blade between the frame and that clip and saw that bastard off. It's going to take forever and you're going to be miserable and hate it.

Or you could make your life easier, say the hell with it, slide the bed back, lower the tank, and use a grinder (preferably with a cutoff wheel) and cut if off. Or a Sawzall or another cutoff tool. If you can't get in between the bracket and the frame you should be able to cut it flush from the bottom and then work it out of there. If you can't find a new clip, re-use one of the good ones here, and just use a nut, lock washer, and washer somewhere near the rear that's easy to get to with a wrench.

This would also be a good time to wire wheel the inside of the frame. This area of the frame traps a lot of dirt and crap that rusts it out. Looks like you have a lot of rust here.

 

[tomryan31]

​

I forgot how fun this bolt was. I had this same problem way back when I put a body lift on TRS-1.

You need to get a saw blade between the frame and that clip and saw that bastard off. It's going to take forever and you're going to be miserable and hate it.

Or you could make your life easier, say the hell with it, slide the bed back, lower the tank, and use a grinder (preferably with a cutoff wheel) and cut if off. Or a Sawzall or another cutoff tool. If you can't get in between the bracket and the frame you should be able to cut it flush from the bottom and then work it out of there. If you can't find a new clip, re-use one of the good ones here, and just use a nut, lock washer, and washer somewhere near the rear that's easy to get to with a wrench.

This would also be a good time to wire wheel the inside of the frame. This area of the frame traps a lot of dirt and crap that rusts it out. Looks like you have a lot of rust here.

It was a blast. I had a hell of a time and my chisels are clearly not up to the task (they started to flatten against the spring steel). I did sand down and apply a rust preventative to the top rail. Much better. The inside does need the additional care, hence future plans

@Jim Oaks @Dougjustgotout I decided to just leave it for now. I have future plans to drop the gas tank, so I will address it then. I did wire wheel and apply a rust preventative to the top rail. Much better. The inside does need the additional care, hence future plans to drop the gas tank. It's not as bad as it looks, thankfully. It's just surface rust and the original coating flaking badly.

Put the bed back on and just happy to not have the HOA on my back about the truck not having a bed while I'm painting / prepping things... Old ladies love to complain to the president, luckily he knows me instead of just towing it. I'll post a picture when I get home though! I'm happy with the bedliner. Used Durabak, it looks great. Now to make a makeshift paint booth and repaint the rest of the truck!

 

[ShhhhhDougsHere]

I'm sorry that your chisels were not up to the job.

I'm glad that you know your own limits and when to put things on hold so you don't get mad and start braking things.

I agree with the move on for now and come back to it later mind set.

I wish you luck in the future try.