Straightening bent bed floors

Jerry T · Post by **Jerry T** » April 22, 2011, 8:30 pm

The floor of the bed in my 66 had a big dip between the back and the next crossmember. I didn't want to cut it out so I decided to try something. I took a piece of 2"x 1/4" angle long enough to go from crossmember to crossmember for the top. Then a piece for the bottom that just would fit between the crossmembers. I drilled 2 3/8 holes in the angle, and through the bed floor. Then tightend the bolts until I had both pieces of angle flat against the floor. After a little hammer and dolly work, I moved it over a couple of ribs and did it again. It turned out very well. You have to look close to see any flaws. Welding up 14 3/8 holes is a lot better than replaceing the floor in my opinion. The 1st picture is of the tool. The 2nd is with it bolted up, showing how bad the floor is bent under the angle. The last is after I finished.

Brian Taylor · Post by **Brian Taylor** » April 22, 2011, 9:08 pm

Great tip, I have seen several beds with that similar bend in them.

Post by **Greg D** » April 22, 2011, 9:33 pm

Brilliant!

Hookedtrout · Post by **Hookedtrout** » April 22, 2011, 9:44 pm

I may have to give that a try, thanks for sharing. Mine looks like ocean waves coming in, you could surf them! :shock:

ezernut9mm · Post by **ezernut9mm** » April 22, 2011, 10:04 pm

Greg D wrote:Brilliant!

HiBoy63 · Post by **HiBoy63** » April 22, 2011, 11:43 pm

Great tip thanks for sharing that one. Ive been wondering how I was going to correct that on my bed.

quietwyatt · Post by **quietwyatt** » April 23, 2011, 11:12 am

I have that same dip. I will try this also. Did you use a ratchet or an air gun w/ a 3/4 inch socket. I will go w/ the air gun if it works. (faster)
Dang, I wish it wasn't raining out.
Good tip. :thumright:

Maybe someone should put this in the tips section.

Jerry T · Post by **Jerry T** » April 23, 2011, 5:36 pm

I just used a ratchet. It wasn't that much resistance, they came together easy.