I just bought a 1979 f-150 ranger XLT short bed with rust problems but it shows real potential. I have been trying to locate a replacement bed because the one on it is completely rusted through the bottom. Is it better to weld a new floor in or buy a different box? if I need to weld it then where do I find a floor assembly that is complete for the 6.75 ft bed. If it is better to replace the whole thing then where do I find one? The only place I can find one is at Southern Truck out of Imlay City, MI. Any help would be appreciated, thanks. I originally posted this in maintenance but thought this would be a better spot for it.

 

LMC truck might have a floor.
By the time you buy it and weld it in, you'll be into a few bucks. If you can buy a rust free one for under 1000.00 that would be a good deal.
And you wouldn't have a patched up one.
Depends how nice of a restoration you're trying to do. But those really old trucks in prime condition are getting pretty valuable.

 

Where is a good place to get a truck bed? I have checked all the local junk yards and one of two things occur, either they have nothing that old or nothing that size.

 

A 1979 bed will be nearly impossible to find in any kind of reasonable condition. If they have them at this Southern Truck place that would be the way to go. Or shop your area for someone who imports them.

 

I was thinking about getting the floor supports and then putting some diamond plating in, would that work? If so where do I get the supports? If not then where is a good place to get the floor assembly for it, maybe one from a 1980s that would be the same? Thanks I am new to body work and working on trucks I usually work on diesel farm tractors.

 

Check out this page from LMC, lower section item 8
http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/FC/full.aspx?page=17

Might help