Drunk driver wrecked my truck tonight - pics
I consider myself to be quite defensive when it comes to driving, always watching out, looking at other vehicles, preparing for any bonehead thing they may do.... But you know, sometimes some clown...
Forum Discussion
Dick A wrote:
I had a somewhat similar truck years ago with side bins, a special built camper style workshop with heavy 3/4" marine plywood roof covered with metal and a steel roof rack for ladders, etc.
After using the rig for about ten years, I also had stress cracks in several areas of the box. I removed the box, replaced the wood and metal bed with diamond plate, reinforced several areas in the sides with steel, and welded two more braces on the frame before remounting the box.
The reason I mention this is that you may want to spend a little money reinforcing the areas that were stress cracked as with all the work being done on your truck it should last you for many more years.
I can see from your pictures why you like the body shop as it looks well equipped along with being neat and orderly.
Dick, I have been thinking about this very topic for a couple years now, ever since I noticed the degradation of the bed due to my rack.
I have gone over it many times in my mind, wondering how I could mount my rack differently to keep the brutal weight of the box sides.
I really have not come up with a good solution yet but have put a lot of thought into it. Ideally the weight should be borne by the frame rather than the sheet metal, similar in concept to the 5'ver hitch.
The best time to weld and reinforce would be when the truck is apart but I can't due that without interfering with the truck repair.
But I'm working on ideas for a solution. My truck has a new lease on life and I want to make it last.
And yes, the bodyshop is well equipped and very professional.
