Hey guys, been a while, but got a question for you.

Had a 78' F-150 Long bed, that the bed originally was rusted and banged up really bad, so I crunched it!

Found a new bed, thats in pretty good condition, like someone had a cover over it. But yup, you guessed it, rusted through over the wheel wells and rusted through on the back corners, little smaller then the size of your fist. I found someone who is willing to cut out the rust and weld in new metal for me. It also has a few dents on side that look like they could easily be pounded out. What do you think it would be worth paying for something like that? Or to even have it done!

Should I keep looking? I don't want to go much over $750 to have a solid bed, I am not talking about paint yet, just rust free (for the most part!)

Any thoughts would be appreciated!


Rompin

 

In my opinion yes it is worth it to fix it. Wheel arches and bed corners aren't that expensive. The main problem is finding someone that can install them and do a nice job.

 

I have not looked too far into the cost of replacing panels, but, for comparison purposes, give the guys at Truckford Parts a call and see what they would charge for a bed (303-781-7865)

--Mike

 

Yep, the patch parts aren't expensive, and even at $100+ for a gallon of urethane enamel, the paint isn't that expensive either. It's the labor that makes or breaks any body & paint work. IMO, the only thing more expensive than good body/paint work is bad body/paint work.

I know it's getting harder to find used '79-earlier body parts in good shape, but I still see them from time to time. Unless you are ready and willing to pay for good body/paint work now, I think you could find a used bed in decent shape for less money if you keep looking. Most of the Denver and Northern CO salvage yards sell the older (pre-'99 now) truck beds for $200-300 or so.

 

Your right Burg. I called several shops and most them won't even look at it, let alone repair it! So who knows what kind of job I will get or how long it will last!

Bubba, labor is right on, about breaking the bank! I got a quote back from the shop. $1900

The guy said he really wanted the work, but couldn't see paying that much for rust repair. He said to keep looking around. At least he sounds honest. I think I agree on that though! Looking through L M C Truck, I could buy a whole new aftermarket bed, all new metal, just needs to be welded together for $1200.

I will let you know what I find out about Truckford Parts. Thanks for the tip Mike!

Rompin

 

Just an update! Called up Truckford parts, and guess what they had a long bed!! Checked it out barely any rust on it!! and bought it for $250!! Thanks Mike for the recomendation!!

Its an ugly blue that someone painted on there. Now just need get motivated to start sanding!!

Thanks again guys!!

Rompin

 

Congrats on the find.

I've picked up a few mechanical bits from Truckford over the years, but I never thought to look there for body parts.

Nowadays I find most of what I need/want at the junkyards.

 

Sweet find Rompin, gald to help..

Those guys have a driver side fender I'm leaning towards, a little pricey at $150 but they say it's clean. I have the opportunity to drive by there twice a day back and forth to work, it's cool to see what comes into the yard back there.

--Mike G

 

Same here bubba.

Mike- that seems pretty high, but I guess just right if its REALLY clean, I've seen what some of the catalogs charge for new after market parts, but seeing that your working on a 65' thats even more difficult then looking for stuff for a 78'

I got lucky, I found 2 doors, and 2 fenders rust free! from pull n save, waited around till they had their 19.99 body part sale, been lucky every time I've gone! Took me 5-6 months, but I'm in no rush!

Rompin

 

And have you been to P-N-S lately? I was thinking of heading over there this week. I'm looking for a seat and a radiator (cheap), maybe a newer front end too...

--Mike G

 

Couple weeks ago actually, but they really didn't have much! Thats ok, I was just looking anyway. Put they seem to swap stuff pretty frequently, I've gone there one week and went back the following, and they had all new cars in their yard! But waiting to hear when there will be another swap meet some place!

Good luck hunting!! I will keep an eye out for ya! You might check Auto recyclers over off of Colfax, east side of airport blvd. Was there a week ago, wasn't looking around for any 65's but they had quite a few older fords sitting around! It was kind of like everyone forgot about them!

Rompin

 

nice... I knew they were over there but that's the other end of town for me. I only get over there when heading our to Watkins for some 'biken.

--Mike

 

Where in CO are you located? My Dad does a nice job, he's done the fender on my truck, he's about to do the bed on his Dodge and he's done rear panels on my Dart, all of them eaten with rust. He's a welder by trade.

 

gunrackgirl

i'm over in s.e aurora. saw that you are in manitou springs. Thats a drive just to get some rust repair work done. seeing as how my rig isn't street legal just makes it more difficult, but let me know, is he up in aurora???

Finally got the chance to look the bed over more this weekend while its in my garage.

There is some rust around one of the rear side markers. Took the sidemarker off and where the one of the screws holds the light assembly on, was rust completely off. I think I am still going to need some repair work done on it, but at least its not structural.


Rompin78

 

My Dad's in Colorado Springs... he could do the rust but not paint, but you said you're not ready for that anyway... It may be too far for you, but if not, what's your timeframe? He's doing some cab mounts and floor pans on a Scout right now, and I don't know how long before he's done with that.