Bedside Panel Replacement For General Motors, Ram and Ford Trucks

Ever looked at the OE repair procedures and found them lacking?
Replacing bedside panels on trucks tends to be one of the most confusing procedures the OEs provide. In this episode we tackle FAQs from technicians around the top three trucks on the road.

[@samg5543]

But what is the REASON why we can't use SPRs on the Ford bed side? It seems like it would be just fine.

[@craig8684]

It would be great to have the why we can’t use SPR‘s

[@kenbaustin4533]

These guys don't care why. You would think that God had spoke and declared SPRs done by anyone other than the factory is blasphemy. Utter crap. Anything to jack the repair rates to create a total loss for sales. This mindset is causing every man, woman and child's insurance rates to go through the roof in this country.

[@jasonbartanen]

I'm relying on my memory, as I wasn't able to find anything documented, but from my recollection Ford's concern is having enough access in the wheelhouse area to properly seat the SPRs. For the front of the bedside, access is definitely a problem and blind rivets or welding are the only options.

[@lesgraham2578]

Unknown. Anywhere not visible them 1/4 inch rivets are fine but in the wheel well area… punch them out, die flatten, prep, metal bond and the 3x3 spr’s. Tool fits in there no problem. Looks factory and the whole area has adhesive not just the center bit.

[@craig8684]

Can we weld bond the FCA/stellantis bedsides per there weld bond document?

[@jasonbartanen]

They recommend duplicating the OEM attachment as best you can, so if there is adhesive from the factory, use adhesive in those areas for repair.