Painting - Remove Bed or Push it Back a little....

[robby5323]

I'm getting ready to start some body work and painting on the 65 SWB. I will need to get the area of the cab behind the front of the bed. Could I just loosen some bolts on the bed and say, push it back from the cab and give myself enough room to work, or would bed removal be the way to go. I am cramped for working space doing this at home with only a 2 car garage in the suburbs... I don't really have anywhere to store the bed off the truck.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

It will go back about a foot or so without any problems. You'll have to raise it up so the support rods that go from the side-to-side bed joists to the fender wells sit on top of your rear tire. (hope that makes sense) Just be careful not to bend the rods. Don't forget to unplug the taillight wire loom underneath.

[robby5323]

That is what I was hoping for... I think I will just try and move the bed back and work around it....

Thanks

[Chevy Fleetside]

You will be happier with it out of the way. You can take it off and stand it up on end if possible. They take up less room. Or you can take it off while doing the work and put it back at the end of the day. If you have an engine hoist you can do it alone. If not it is going to be a bear.

[LILRED66]

Removal and sitting it on end (front panel) is a good suggestion and will allow more area to work the back of the cab and the front of the bed panel, however, removal and replacement at the end of the day is even better, if you have a metod to remove it. By standing it on end, you have access to the bottom side of the bed, to inspect it for damage and make any necessary repairs. It is very easy to undercoat the bed, with it off the chassis.

[robby5323]

Thanks for the pics... I do have an engine hoist so removal is possible. All I will need to do is a little block sanding and spraying. No rust repair or dent work. I might be able to do it with the bed on, but seeing those pics gave me some ideas. Appreciate it...!