Should I Do a Bed Swap Myself or Pay Someone

Was in an accident last weekend. No one was hurt but my truck needs a new bed and insurance not going to cover. I actually managed to find one at a junkyard in the same color of the same size. The bed pulls off super easy I found a YouTube video on how to do it.

I have 3 options:
- Replace the bed myself
- Pay a pretty shady guy $5500 to do the body work. He's go high reviews on google but his shop appears to be his backyard
- Pay some super pro shop a ton of money (if they can even fix it. Most of them won't work on trucks this old and still need quotes)

I could also swap the bed then take it to a shop to fix up the minor damages to the junkyard bed

What do you all think? What would you do?

 

Lot of variables.

Do you have the resources to swap it yourself? If so, that's the way I would go.

 

Yeah I have everything I need to do it. The wrinkle is the frame is slightly bent near where the bumper mounts to it. I will need to sledge hammer that back into place but assuming that works it should be pretty easy to swap.

 

I would install the bed myself and save the cash if it’s an easy job. I’m no mechanic so I would certainly have to do my own research however. Glad no one was hurt in the accident.

 

If you're up for the challenge, I say go for it

 

Install yourself.

Bed isn't even heavy, just awkward due to its size and how it's balanced (or unbalanced).

Get yourself a friend to help swap it out and enjoy a few beers.

 

Here's how you do it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JXrPLOF6xY - note I don't have a tow hitch and already pulled off the bumper

 

I have an impact wrench and two foot breaker bar. Between those two I should make quick work of the bolts mounting it to the frame

 

How many people you think I need to carry it? Could I get away with two?

 

This sounds like the best approach. You may want to find a local welder / metalworker to assist on the DIY frame repair as heating the bent area (without torching/penetrating) may be required.

 

Honestly the bolt that mounts the bed to the frame is gone at the moment and the bed is secure. I think the bed will still sit on top the frame I might just omit one bolt

 

Yeah that's exactly what I suggested.

The bed is light, and you and a friend should easily be able to lift it up and over once the bolts are undone.

 

Between installing a second gas tank where the spare tire used to be and replacing my bed with a permanently mounted camper I've had my bed on and off 4 or 5 times.
You can do it with 2 people. Three is better.
I've taken it off and put it back on by myself 3 times using straps, 2x6's and 4x4's. I do not recommend.

 

Sounds like a fun saturday, if the bolts aren't too rusted.... GL!

 

Thank you. Should be able to pull the bolts off like butter. The bolts for the mounting bracket on the bumper were more rusted my impact ripped them off real quick

 

OP, it's best to lift from the wheel well areas and whomever is on the driver side needs to take some precautions to avoid pulling the fuel filler neck off with the bed. Otherwise, it's not hard with 2 people

 

Thank you. I'm for sure going to be the one on the driver side wheel well

 

You’ve got this.

 

I'll echo others and say go for it. Did it on an old 2500 Dodge but the beds on these trucks seem like they'd be WAY easier.

Enjoy!

 

My vote is pay the shady guy $5500