74 Sweptline Bed Side Outer Skin Replacement

[brand138]

Hello all, hope I'm posting in the right place - new here!
I was wondering if anyone who's replaced their bed side outer panels had any insight/information or links to videos on how to do it. I saw a few how to videos for newer trucks, but nothing in the 72-80 Dodge truck range. I have a 74 w200, and trying to determine if I am capable enough haha.

Thanks for your time.

 

[volaredon]

I am going to be doing the same thing to an 85. I don't think the "how to" will be much different. I have to drill out all the spot welds on the "new" panels first.

 

[paul massaro]

those bed side panels are spot welded together with the ends and inner bed liner sides as well as the wheel house . it's not tough work , but if it's a used panel going on . you must clean all the old parts from the panel prior to fitting and welding the replacement panel on . oh ya good luck .

 

[brand138]

Thank you guys for the info.
Seems doable, though when I felt for the spot welds the inner bed ones seemed hard to find, I would hate to drill out the wrong spots and have a bunch of extra holes!
Seems like I may be better off searching for a new bed all together as rough as the whole thing is...just got to have patience which is tough haha.
Thanks again!

 

[paul massaro]

i'd cut the wrecked panel off around the spot weld areas , leaving the parts spot welded attach then work on these as there exposed just under a strip of metal . then you can grind on the spots of welds to clean those from the surface you wish to keep . if your panel is a used one you will be drilling those spot welds out , then weld it on with those holes for welding it on to you bed inner side panels .

 

[brand138]

Thank you for the suggestion, I really like that approach.
If I can't find a bed I'll be giving your suggestion a shot!