Any tips for replacing the bed in a 71 El Camino? New panels from NPD are $99 per side. I'd like to know the best way to cut out the old bed floor and welding the new one in.

Thanks

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TC# 1458
1971 El Camino
SB350/TH350
12 bolt posi
"If the car doesn't kill you, I will"

Be careful with the new ones, they don't fit too well, and if you notice in the picture in the catalog they go right over the front of the bed where the removable cover is. Sorry can't help with the welding, I have a few spots I need to replace myself but don't know how to.

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1970 Chevy Custom El Camino (http://www.dreamelectric.com)
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I'm not worried about losing the removable cover. In fact, I am going to relocate the battery to the bed between the front wall and the wheel well (passenger side). Cutting the bed out using the drill and air wheel method seems the best. I was just wondering how to weld the bed back in. I guess I'll need the panels first.

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TC# 1458
1971 El Camino
SB350/TH350
12 bolt posi
"If the car doesn't kill you, I will"

Have you crawled under your bed to look at how it mounts???

From the factory the beds have some support rails welded on going horizontal across the bed floor on the bottom side. THe new replacement panels will not have these, you will need to fabricate something to add this support.

Also- The rear body mounts on an Elcamino are supported from the bottom of the frame in what they call BODY MOUNT TOWERS. You need to get under there and see if yours are okay- If they are not, you need to order those as well, and figure welding those into your plan.

Also- for a note- the floor replacement pans will not match the existing embossing (ribs)pattern in the bed floor.

Just a few notes for you. Good luck with it!
Ben


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Ben Rambow
1970 El Camino SS (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/70elcamino-06.jpg)
1968 Olds Delmont 88 Convertible (For Sale) (http://www.elcaminoclassics.com/delmont88)
The El Camino Classics Club (http://www.elcaminoclassics.com)
"Whats the matter with the car I'm Driving? Can't ya tell that its out of style..."