I went to go take the bed off of my 95 Flareside today and got 5 of the bolts off no problem. I get to the last bolt and strip it! Was doing using the same ratchet and socket that took the other 5 off, but it strip the last one. Any advice on how I can get this last bolt out?

Thanks
Bubba

 

By stripping do mean the bolt spins in the hole. In that case get a putty knife, or something similar with an 1 1/2 or 2 inch blade. I made the one I use out of a flat bladed crowbar, the photo below is what I am talking about and is available from Harbor Freight tools for $3 Dollars. grind the flat end thin enough so you can tap it under the bolt head and cut a notch that will fit under the bolt head and around the bolt shaft, cut the notch in with a gradual taper so it will fit over a varity of bolt shaft diameters. With the tool under the bolt head pry upwards most of the time this will get the bolt out of the hole. Once you get it out chase the hole with a tap to clean up the threads. If this doesn't work you will have to grind off the bolt head and drill out the shaft and re-tap. this homemade tool will be a valuable addition to your tool kit.

 

If you stripped out the head you can cut it or torch it out from the bottom. I hate those button head bolts! I had to use a 1/2 ratchet and 3 foot breaker bar to get them out. Replace them with a nut and bolt. or if you want to get fancy install the bed with all the bolts sitting in the holes so they are lined up and weld nuts to the frame rail.

 

Yes, it is the head of the bolt that got rounded off at all 6 corners. tleach, when ou say "replace them with a nut and bolt" do you mean the same nuts and bolts?

Thanks
Bubba

 

Demel tool should work, might take some time and a few cutting disks