i just got 4.5" flare bedsides for my truck. anyone ever install bedsides themselves? just looking to get some advice/warnings. i know i have to drill out all the spotwelds, but is that it basically? can you use the factory bedside braces? thanks

 

Basically.....

just drill out all the spotwelds using a spotweld remover bit, rivet on the new sides, make new supports. Thats basically it. There's propably some other things, but i only watched trucks w/ stacey when he was building a ranger prerunner.

 

There are two ways to do this. One is a pain in the ***.... and the other one is only slightly a pain in the ***.

The first method is drilling out the spot welds, pulling the stock bedsides off, then bolting up the new ones. You will need to make some new bedside braces as well.

The other way is to take a sawzall/angle grinder/butter knife, whatever you want... and cut away below the body line, all the way out to teh tail light sectoin, and leave about 3 inches on the front of the bed. Then put the bedside on top of that and bolt it up...you'll need new braces as well.

 

ya i want to keep my stock bedsides intact, so ill just drill em out. i just didnt want to run into any suprises..if i can avoid them

 

Check out these links:

http://www.mcneilracinginc.com/off-r...ions/index.htm

http://www.off-roadweb.com/tech/0802...des/index.html


It is a slow process to get them to look right and I honestly don't think its possible to save your old bedsides without damage and remount them. Too much needs to be cut from the bed itself.

Alon is right there is an easy way and a hard way. Also slapping them on there is easy, having them look correct takes some time and patience. At first I said no way I am cutting and spent two afternoons drilling all the spotwelds on one side. There is a row along the inside edge of the bedrail and if you remove them the top will be weak when you mount the fiberglass. Hannerman recommends cutting because it leaves more metal and strength. I gave up on drilling and cut the other side off in a few minutes with a cheap jig saw and metal blade. In my opinion it is no doubt the way to go.

You will need a grinder to remove the metal under the taillights or it will hang below the fiberglass.

Take your time when mounting the new panels to be sure they are straight. If you don't cut enough they will be higher than the old bedsides and not be straight with the cab. Also pay special attention to the clearance between the cab and bed. It took me a long time to get that line parallel.

You will need to make mounts along the inner fenderwell or you will not get the correct bulge and they will flap around. A simple bar running from the bed to the fender lip works. I can take some pictures if you need them.

Here is a link from when I put mine on. There is a few pictures of the cutting at the bottom of the post.

http://www.rangerpowersports.com/for...glass+bedsides


It will be worth it when its done.

 

so i guess ill be cuttin em off. thanks for the info

 

i just took mine off and they just bolted on, but then again i have a stepside

 

im just really scared. im not a fan of cutting into my truck

 

Yeah, my sentiments exactly.. but the key to any custom body modification is to be ready and understand what your getting into... and having a backup vehicle is great to have too.. especially if its your first time working with them, might have to park it overnight if you need to work the next day =)

Understand the risks, be prepared for the worst.. and once you start, you cant go back!

 

hey can i see a picture of how yours tuned out with a flareside bed? please i was thinking of doing the same and want to check it out

 

Do what I did... I got an extra bed to play with.

 

im just gonna sell em. im not ready for a project like this. ill pull the rears and buy new fronts. my truck is too nice to cut into it!!!

edit: gonna sell em and get front fenders. and start saving for camburg 6.0 performance. i know u liked urs Alon

 

Before you sell them try calling the local junkyards to see if you can get a dented up bed for cheap. Might be able to get one for next to nothing. If you end up not liking it you can probably get more for a completed bed than just sides.