Posted by Clint Dixon on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 7:32AM :
In Reply to: Repro Running Boards and Bedsides Advice Needed posted by Jim in Tucson on Sunday, December 11, 2005 at 1:57PM :
I have seen the bedsides produced by Dave Maher. I can not imagine how anyone could produce a more accurate reproduction of these parts. But I believe there may now be more than just two individuals reproducing these sides because I recently saw a new set that were far less than perfect. I believe this new did NOT come from Dave.
The original Dodge sides have the stake pockets attatched by spot welding to the sides. The last set of reproductions I saw had rather large holes drilled in the side panels, and the stake pockets were plug welded through these holes. The holes were not completely filled with weld. Also, the weld was a lot hotter than it would have been required for a spot weld, so the metal was stretched around each plug weld. It appeared to me that the sides were going to require a lot of filling and sanding to finish. These sides had no reinforcing ribs on the fender wells like the originals and those of dave Maher.
Shop around.
Junior