I have a 2000 dakota SLT extended cab with a 6.5 bed that has a rust out hole on the passenger side mid section on the side panel on the lower end next the the front wheel well on the rear tire. i know how to take off the bed but i am trying to figure out if the bed is one whole piece welded together or if i can take the whole passenger side of the side of the truck bed apart from either being bolted together? i also know that they sell whole side panels as well but wasn't sure if you have to cut that whole panel section from the bed and weld on the new section. Does anyone have and idea? Also any suggestions on how to patch it with bondo or should i just try to weld a new section on and cut out the rusted part out?

 

The bed is one assembly, all welded together. You'd have to cut out that panel and weld in a new one.

 

that's what i was afraid of.

 

Yep have to cut all the spot welds out then tack in a new bed side. Depending on how you use your truck(eg nice or work truck) If its a work truck you can cut the panel out then replace the existing area with something. Should really be welded in but you can get by with rivets and bondo.