Crushed my truck bed, attempting to fix myself

[bradgator2]

So, like most stories in my life, they usually start with “So, I was drinking and.....”

This happened:

My Silver Bullet has been very loyal to me. In 14 years.... this is essentially the 1st scratch.

No freaking way am I going through insurance. I take it to several shops and they all say the same thing: whole panel needs to be replaced and it will be $1500.

Which is just not a good idea in my opinion on a truck not even worth $5000.

So, let’s see what I can do.

 

[bradgator2]

Step 1 was to straighten her up. I remove the bedline, cut an access hole, then start hammering away.

Not a bad start. That crease in the top makes that steel impossible to hammer out.

I need plan B.

 

[bradgator2]

Drilled a hole, installed an eyebolt, attached my winch, hammer some more.

Worked like a charm.

Side profile against a straight edge.

 

[bradgator2]

After bondo and primer:

I’ll wet sand that tonight and paint the base coat and top coat next weekend.

I wouldn’t have attempted this without ox’s corvette thread. I figured if that asshat can do it.... then I have to give it a shot.

 

[URGatorBait]

this is why rich people are rich.

 

[bradgator2]

this is why rich people are rich.

3 quotes and all 3 were $1500. I asked each place to have someone do it on the side and give me the redneck fix. All 3 places said it was impossible to do what I attempted. So far, it’s been going textbook. We’ll see about the base coat and top coat and polishing it out. Assuming that goes ok.... I will be all in $72. Plus beer.

 

[bradgator2]

After the 1000 grit sand this evening. This little dip at the top looks a little exaggerated in the pic as the plastic bed cap is unclipped so I can work under it. When that is pushed down flush, it almost disappears. As far as I can tell, it’s the only visible flaw left.

 

[URGatorBait]

good luck matching the paint and finish to look right with the rest of the bed, might ne the hardest part of this whole thing if you aren't painting the whole bed

otherwise, you've done a heck of a job fixing that.
So what is the real story behind the dent?

 

[bradgator2]

good luck matching the paint and finish to look right with the rest of the bed, might ne the hardest part of this whole thing if you aren't painting the whole bed

otherwise, you've done a heck of a job fixing that.
So what is the real story behind the dent?

Im not worried about either of those. I was more scared about grounding this sucker down and getting the bondo and primer perfect. It’s the first time I have ever taken sandpaper to a car. Or drilled a hole into a car for that matter.

The paint is color matched with Ford’s paint codes from inside my door. And I already sprayed a test board and I am honestly shocked at the perfect match.

The clear coat should also be okay because I can do that whole rear panel. I am going to try not to and use some polishing tricks to transition it directly above the wheel (thinnest line). If I am not pleased with that then I simply resand the entire panel with 1500 and re-clearcoat that whole panel.

 

[crosscreekcooter]

Looks like you're getting there Brad, looks good. Basketball goal fall over?

 

[NVGator]

Maybe lay off the drinking?

 

[bradgator2]

Looks like you're getting there Brad, looks good. Basketball goal fall over?

Haha. Thanks coot. I was joking about the drinking part. It’s really not an exciting story. I was trimming oak branches and was obviously parked a little too close to the action.

 

[bradgator2]

Maybe lay off the drinking?

 

[URGatorBait]

Haha. Thanks coot. I was joking about the drinking part. It’s really not an exciting story. I was trimming oak branches and was obviously parked a little too close to the action.

You should have just kept us guessing

 

[bradgator2]

You should have just kept us guessing

Yeah man. Big kick in the balls. All my gear was in the bed of my truck... ladders, chain saw, pole saw, etc, etc. Never dreamed I was too close. If I would have been about 8 inches further away....

 

[URGatorBait]

Yeah man. Big kick in the balls. All my gear was in the bed of my truck... ladders, chain saw, pole saw, etc, etc. Never dreamed I was too close. If I would have been about 8 inches further away....

twss

 

[AlexDaGator]

Step 1 was to straighten her up. I remove the bedline, cut an access hole, then start hammering away.

Not a bad start. That crease in the top makes that steel impossible to hammer out.

I need plan B.

I need you to come organize my garage.


Alex.

 

[AlexDaGator]

After bondo and primer:

I’ll wet sand that tonight and paint the base coat and top coat next weekend.

I wouldn’t have attempted this without ox’s corvette thread. I figured if that asshat can do it.... then I have to give it a shot.

Who is the terrified Black woman in the plaid shirt? Reflection on your crew door.

Alex.

 

[bradgator2]

Who is the terrified Black woman in the plaid shirt? Reflection on your crew door.

Alex.

Your wife.

 

[bradgator2]

I need you to come organize my garage.


Alex.

It’s a disease actually. Disorganization will actually keep me from sleeping. This was to my back in the reflection pic of my (very white) daughter keeping me company.