[urleycay]

i am in process of continuing my body off resto of my 71, in the process I am replacing sheet metal under rear window, above smugglers box, The whole smugglers box, both rear quarters and both wheel housings and behind wheel housings. I have had to make some pcs and in fitting panels before welding I noticed a big gap around smugglers box lid, back and sides. When i unbolted panel and took out the lid it was sealed shut w/seam sealer and painted over so I never got a clear look at how the panel aligns from factory. I have smugglers box floor welded in place and just tack fitting everything else for alignment purposes. Does anyone have pictures of there lid and how it fits or have any gaps specs f/ GM. None of my GM manuals even address's the smugglers box. This is really a b*@#h. I also have passenger side 1/4 and wheel housing out at this point and I know that the inner pass side bed panel did move since taking out all the metal but even pushing panel back for alignment there is still a large gap. I do have 1 x1 square rod welded in place in two spots on top of bed , under bed and door openings before I took off any sheet metal. some grateful advice and pics are needed. Its funny i just looked on ebay at elkys for sale and most everyone hides the bed.

 

[Bill Rose]

I have all the factory original panels in my 69 bed. If you can be specific about where you need pictures, I will give you all you want. Do you want closeups of the smugglers box cover panel, or the edges, or corners, etc.

 

[urleycay]

Thanks Bill, I just got done looking at your pictures in the Body shop forum and your bed is impressive. Yes, i would like close-ups of sides and back. It looks like you sealed yours around sides and back but cannot really tell from photo even w/ my old man magnifying glass. (i keep forgetting I am old) I want to finish mind off like yours, they look great done. do you know if they were sealed from factory? Thanks if you want e-mail me pics, no hurry whenever you get time. [email protected]

 

[Bill Rose]

Email sent.