Deuce Frame Repair

[oldmx]

I have searched the forum for a solution to my question but did not see and answer so I will ask it. I purchased a pipeline deuce 2 years ago and the fire department who owned it totally destroyed the bed so I decided to put a regular cargo bed on it. Now thinking that all deuce bed mounting brackets are in the same location I was in for a surprise. The pipeline bed does not mount the same as the cargo bed. The front mounts are a completely different configuration and also in a different position on the truck so here is my question. To mount the correct brackets to the truck I will need to drill new holes. The problem is that the new holes will be near the old ones and I am afraid of weakening the frame. Can I plug weld the old holes to strengthen this area to prevent frame failure without damaging the frame steel?

Thanks for your replies.


Mike

 

[dmetalmiki]

Plated properly with decent welds that will not be an issue.

 

[dmetalmiki]

Just checked our m54a2 and where we had mounted the russian praga body on new welded mounts, 12 years later and some tough driving, No problems.

 

[Jeepsinker]

Just weld the new brackets to the bed to match the frame brackets.

 

[oldmx]

I think I will go with jeepsinker's idea. Less welding and the brackets won't need to be moved anyway. Thanks for the replies.

Mike