dovetailed bed

[1981yota]

Has anyone done this to their bed or know how I should go about doing this? I looked on google but all i seen was trucks that already had it done but it had no info on how to do it.

Thanks
Patrick

[81 tuff truck]

ill get charlies number im sure he would know how

[rockcrawlintoy]

there was a good write up on pirate4x4.com. a guy used a lazer level to mark where he needed to cut. it came out really clean

[mnmstoy]

Texas4x4.org In the Project forum you will find my Project Dovetail...I did both the front and the rear.....and later extended cab on my 1980 toy...although, I am not finished with the cab...the rest is their...also look at my sig while your their...It leads you to all my stuff...half doors, IFS box mod for ram assist.
Good luck.
Mike
here is the link. Do forgive the crappy pics....At the time I didn't have a digi camera.
www.texas4x4.org/showthread.php?t=9238
this is how she sits today.

[1981yota]

That looks awsome.

Do you have anymore pics of how you did the front?

Patrick

[92rocdoc]

It's really easy to do. Just measure the same distance from each side inward out from the tail light. Then mark the front inside corner of the bed. Use a chalk line and snap it off. Cut it using a sawzall, plasma cutter, or die grinder with a cut off disk. Actually a jig saw works as well. Then slowly and carefully move the sides of the bed inward until the two edges meet. Using a MIG welder or TIG welder spot weld it in at least 10 different places at first then go back (use a MIG for this next part) and run the bead all the way out for maximum strength. Depending on your oppinion you can grind the bead down or leave it. Next hit it with some bondo to fill in holes and gaps (you shouldn't have any if you do it right). Sand that down, then spray paint it or take it to a body shop to have the paint redone in the bed.

Scott