Pickup Bed

[A-Man]

I just had my 1930 Model A Closed Cab Pickup media blasted, resulting in disclosed rusted out sections in the narrow pickup bed. The bed has a new wooden floor, new Z panel and a new rear U-channel.
I am debating as to the best route to consider: 1] Repair existing bed sides, front bed panel and tailgate, 2] Look for a good used bed, or 3] purchase and replace with new parts.
Good used beds have been difficult to locate, so I am leaning towards buying and replacing the bed sides, front panel and tailgate. How difficult is it to tear down and replace the bed sides and front panel? What method is used to rivet the parts together?
Any comments and/or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Steve Plucker]

For starters, I would suggest you getting from MAFCA, if it is still in print, The Restorer, Vol. 52, Issue 3, September/October 2007. There you will find an excelent restoration article by Doug Cox titled "Restoration of the Model A Pickup Narrow Bed".

Read it, understand it, and if you have any mechanical abilities at all...go for it.

Pluck

 

[ford31]

when I did my 29,I removed the bad parts by drilling the rivets if you do not have a drill guide best to file or grind rivet flat than center punch,my fender spacers were spot welded,I painted the blind spots with an air brush,bolted bed together,removed 1 bolt at a time,my bucking bar I made from a splitting wedge with a short piece of round stock welded on drilled so rivet would set in not flatten out,it is a 2 guy job but not bad

 

[Doug Cox]

A-Man, I think I helped you in the past ( with the size of your bed and cab). Anyway send me an email and I may be able to help a little more.