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Posted by Doc Dave on Friday, February 13, 2009 at 07:15:48 :
I figured out what the problem was with the hat channels of my truck not matching up with the (side) angle strips of the bed.
Spence helped figure this out.
Mar-K had a "mistake" with their angle strips for at least the 2nd series trucks a few years ago. They did not know about it at the time and it appears they have fixed this now with the new production.
My angle strips from them were bought from the time period in question. I did not know about this problem, with the bolt holes in the fender section of the angle strips being a little "off". I spot welded the angle strips to the bed sides at the original location.
So, what I have learned in bed construction is this. After you buy a bed strip kit with the angle strips, as well as the strips for between the boards, lay them all out on the crossmembers as shown in this picture from Spence FIRST, before welding the angle strips to the bed sides. Then, if there is any issue at all with the hole alignment, it can be more easily adjusted.
Also, you can work out any problems with the center bed strips and the relationships to the various crossmembers.
Another thing, DO NOT weld the three sections of the angle (side) strips together; just spot weld them to the bed sides leaving their "joints" through bolted. By not welding them together it helps with adjustment and bolt fitting when the boards are placed.
I am not upset with Mar-K, they have very good customer service and I think very good products.
My purpose in posting this is to just advise people of important aspects of bed construction to avoid problems.
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