How to Build Pickup Side Boards
- 1). Measure the depth of the corner pockets in your bed, by inserting a tape measure into one of them. Measure the length of the bed, for the back face of the cab to the outside of the tailgate.
- 2). Decide how much height you would like to add and divide it by 3 ½ inches, which is the actual width of the common 1-by-4 board. Add or subtract from your desired height to reach a multiple of 3 ½ inches to keep the project simple. For example, if you want to add 16 inches, round down to 14 inches so that your sides require four pieces of 1-by-4, or up to 17 ½ inches and use five pieces.
- 3). Cut four pieces of 1-by-2 lumber, the height of the bed pockets, plus the height of the side boards. Cut enough 1-by-4 lumber to the length of the bed to provide as many boards as needed for both sides to reach the desired height. Use a rafter square to mark square ends and circular saw to make the cuts.
- 4). Stand your 1-by-2s in the corner pockets of the bed. Place one 1-by-4 on the inside of the 1-by-2s on one side of the bed, with one long edge against the top of the bed rail. Use a level to adjust the front 1- by-2 until the bubble is centered and drive two 1 5/8 inch treated deck screws through the 1-by-4 into the 1-by-4 behind, centered in the 1-by-2. Repeat this leveling and fastening with the rear 1-by-2.
- 5). Add a second 1-by-4 atop the first and screw it in place, using the same procedure, skipping the leveling, as your 1-by-2 is already anchored in position. Add 1-by-4s to the top of the side rail. Repeat the process on the opposite side of the truck bed. To remove the rails, simply lift up at both ends to lift the 1-by-2s clear of the bed pockets.
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