Pickup bedside repair panel

[mtd1960]

Looking for ideas on Model A bedside panel repair, need to replace the lower 6-7” (curved part) on each bedside. Thanks for any input.

[ndnchf]

About 8 years ago I picked up a badly rusted bed with the intention of making a trailer out of it. The lower curved sides were badly rotted. I was walking around the Luray pre-war swap meet and spotted a pair of used but solid splash aprons and noticed the curve looked very similar. So I bought them for $20. The rotted bed sections were cut out and replaced with sections of apron. While not prefect, they worked out pretty well for my trailer project.

[ronn]

you can buy new repops off of ebay- or if its just a driver, buy the metal and install and cut out the rot.
I have a similar bed that I need to tend to and will just rivet new metal to the old side panels. I like building jalopies and not show cars.

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by ronn

you can buy new repops off of ebay- or if its just a driver, buy the metal and install and cut out the rot.
I have a similar bed that I need to tend to and will just rivet new metal to the old side panels. I like building jalopies and not show cars.

He said it. What is the level of quality you're looking for?

Buying the entire panel will result in the highest quality. The new "The Pickup Book" (bring your wallet) describes the complete disassembly and rework of an original bed. It's a reprint of a "Restorer" magazine article. I believe there are 102 Rivets to do the complete job.

Rework "in place" is possible - but fraught with "oops possibilities."

"Making functional" (i.e. pop-rivets) work too, but your self-examination of what you want is necessary.

The problem with the rework in place for you would be getting that curve "just right." Most don't have a 6 foot roll, although a four foot roll with an open side might be able to do this (some rolls of this size DO have a removable outboard bearing - but forces you to work the panel "one half at a time" - and leaves the questionability of created curvature to the centermost section of panel.)

A 6' bending brake CAN do curves, with a characteristic "chordal" effect. You might use compound to "ease" and fill the chords and present an even curve.

For my money and time, learning to rivet and having the tools to do it might be the better way out. The entire bed can be bought as "panel parts."

Characteristically, the "pockets" seem to be the point of maximum corrosion pointing up into the rain as they do.

Joe K

[Joe K]

The new "The Pickup Book" (bring your wallet) describes the complete disassembly and rework of an original bed.

The pickup bed is covered - but better described below.

"Restoration of the Model A pickup narrow bed."

How to Restore Your Model A - Volume 9 page 55

Joe K

[mtd1960]

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Thanks for the input