Installing fiberglass bed sides

explorerhavok · Jan 22, 2009

My bed sides are pretty beat up and initially I wanted to replace the bed, however here in hawaii I haven't had any luck finding a bed without paying an inflated price for a whole truck. I am now considering fiberglass bed sides. Can I keep my bed stock and add fiberglass bedsides? I want it to be functional, no need for a pre runner set up right now. What is the general method to install them as stock replacements? Any help is appreciated.

Bogdon · Jan 22, 2009

I saw them installed about 2 years ago on a toyota, I assume the procedure would be the same

1. Cut away all rusted areas

2. Cut away around the tail lights and fuel filler door (assuming the new panels have mounting holes for everything)

3. Spray all metal to be covered with an industrial grade sealer

4. the new fiberglass panels are "glued into place with a 2 part epoxy

5. Save all body work needed untill new panels are mounted

6. Being that they are fiberglass make sure to paint with a paint suitable for fiberglass, there is a flex agent of some sort added.

Wish I could help more

Steve

explorerhavok · Jan 22, 2009

Are you saying cut away only sections? My plan was to cut away the whole side, as in the whole outer sheet metal and replace. Anyone done this that knows?

racinranger · Jan 22, 2009

Drill out all the spotwelds in the bedside around the tailgate/top lip channel/front of bed near cab. remove entire bedside. drop new beside on truck screw on fiberglass bedside every few inches with self taping 1/4 scews install tail lights. have a beer. rattle can new pannesl. have a beer. admire your work. have a beer. install tailgate or bedside brackes. have a beer :beer:

Zachalanche · Jan 22, 2009

good call. I think beer is often the most left out step. and +1 on dirlling out the spot welds.

racinranger · Jan 22, 2009

im a firm beliver in the presence of beer at any gathering of tools and men.Its as important as your ratchet in my eyes

explorerhavok · Jan 22, 2009

I like your answer racinranger, think I will probably go that route

teknik_ranger · Feb 18, 2009

Check out McNeil Racing

McNeil Racing and Perry's Fab'n'fiber has instructions on how to mount their bedsides. They cut along the top, leaving the flat part for strength. And yes, beer is good to have in any operation! :icon_cheers:

http://www.mcneilracinginc.com

PrerunnerManiac · Oct 12, 2011

We just launched a video on how to install fiberglass bedsides on a Ranger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSuIo5baOvk

Sorry embed doesn't seem to be working.

06RangerXLT · Oct 12, 2011

PrerunnerManiac said:
We just launched a video on how to install fiberglass bedsides on a Ranger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSuIo5baOvk

Sorry embed doesn't seem to be working.

hold on, let me go grab my plasma cutter...

cool way of doing it, though id personally fully remove the old bedside instead of bolting over it. but im a perfectionist.

PrerunnerManiac · Oct 12, 2011

06RangerXLT said:
hold on, let me go grab my plasma cutter...

cool way of doing it, though id personally fully remove the old bedside instead of bolting over it. but im a perfectionist.

We just found it gives them more to hold onto this way.

projectnitemare · Oct 12, 2011

When i did mine almost 10 years ago now I took a grinder and ground all the spot welds off the factory bedsides. I did it that way so that I had no holes from drilling out spot welds. Then slide the glass bedside on just how the steel one came off, measure out for some holes and bolted it with stainless nuts and bolts like how a steel one would have been spot welded. I've had zero problems and they are still able to be removed easily especially for repairs if needed.

Matt

06RangerXLT · Oct 12, 2011

PrerunnerManiac said:
We just found it gives them more to hold onto this way.

thats true. i just hate the feeling of cutting into my truck.

Welpracing · Feb 16, 2012

how are the panels? do they hold up well and do the body lines line up pretty good? I am not running a off road race or anything but i do like the look of them and can't find any steel bedsides.

Installing fiberglass bed sides

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