Quick Guide: Installing A Bolton Roll Pan

how to put on a bolton roll pan

If you're looking to install a bolt-on roll pan, there are a few options available to you. You can either weld it on or use sheet metal screws to bolt it on. Welding offers a more secure fit but requires additional painting, while bolting is easier to remove and can be done with about six screws. Before installation, ensure that the roll pan has a licence plate box or another place to mount your licence plate. It's also important to paint the underside of the roll pan to prevent rusting.

Characteristics Values
Roll pan type Bolt-on
Brands Sir Michaels, Street Scene, Grant Fab, Thorbros
Materials Steel, Plastic, Sheet Metal
Installation Drilling holes, Screws, Nutserts, Welding
Considerations License plate box, Undercoating to prevent rust, Matching bed contour

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Sir Michaels bolt-on roll pan

To install a Sir Michaels bolt-on roll pan, you will need to follow these steps:

  • Prepare the roll pan: Ensure that your roll pan is ready for installation. You may want to paint the underside of the roll pan to prevent rusting. You can also apply a rubberized undercoating to achieve the same purpose.
  • Position the roll pan: Line up the roll pan with the rear frame rails of your truck. The roll pan should slide over the left and right rear frame rails.
  • Secure with bolts: Sir Michaels roll pans typically come with bolts or sheet metal screws that are used to secure the pan to the frame. You will need to tighten these bolts securely, ensuring that the roll pan is firmly attached to the truck's frame.
  • Attach the licence plate: Make sure you have a licence plate box or another place to mount your licence plate. Some Sir Michaels roll pans come with a licence plate drop tag and a light.
  • Optional welding: If you prefer, you can choose to weld the roll pan to the truck frame for a more permanent installation. However, this may require additional painting or coating to maintain the aesthetic of your truck.

It is important to note that every truck is unique, and some adjustments or modifications may be necessary during the installation process. Always refer to the specific instructions provided with your Sir Michaels roll pan and consult a professional if you are unsure about any steps.

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Sheet metal screws

When installing a bolt-on roll pan, it is important to consider the type of screws you will use. Sheet metal screws are specifically designed to fasten pieces of metal together and are an ideal choice for this application. They are available in a variety of lengths and thread patterns, making them versatile and adaptable for your project.

To begin the installation process, you will need to gather the necessary tools and materials, including the sheet metal screws, a drill, and a screwdriver or screw gun. It is recommended to use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the screw size to create pilot holes, which will help ensure a secure and precise fit.

Start by aligning the roll pan with the underside of the truck bed, ensuring it is positioned correctly. Mark the locations for the screws, typically under the tailgate gap and underneath the rear end, making sure they are not visible from the outside for a smooth appearance. Drill pilot holes at these marked locations, being careful to maintain the alignment of the roll pan.

Once the pilot holes are drilled, insert the sheet metal screws and tighten them securely using a screwdriver or screw gun. Ensure that the screws are firmly in place and check that the roll pan is securely attached to the truck bed. Depending on the specific roll pan, you may need to attach a license plate box or determine an alternative mounting option for the license plate.

To enhance the durability and aesthetics of your bolt-on roll pan, consider applying a coat of paint or rubberized undercoating to the underside. This will help prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring the longevity of your installation. Some roll pans come with a licence plate drop tag and a licence plate light, so be sure to factor this into your installation process.

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Painting and welding

When it comes to painting and welding a bolt-on roll pan, there are a few key considerations and steps to keep in mind. Firstly, it is recommended to weld and mould the roll pan first and then paint it, as welding after painting will require repainting. This is because welding can affect the paint and primer, as seen in an example where a friend's welded roll pan developed cracks within a week.

Before welding, ensure that all paint and primer are ground down, leaving only raw metal to be welded. It is crucial to leave a gap about the size of a cutoff wheel where the pieces are welded together. This allows the weld to flow into the gap, and after grinding, there will still be enough metal left for strength. Failure to leave this gap can result in cracks in the weld joint.

For painting, it is recommended to scuff the surface with 180-grit front and back, and then prime it with a self-etching primer. You can use a rattle can primer, but for better water resistance, a 2K primer is suggested. If you plan to keep the roll pan primed for an extended period before painting, consider using a urethane or epoxy primer to prevent rust. After priming, you can proceed with the desired paint colour.

Additionally, ensure that the underside of the roll pan is treated to prevent rust. You can either paint the underside or apply a rubberized undercoating. The undercoating is a cost-effective solution, only costing a few bucks while serving the same purpose as paint.

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Installation

Preparation:

Before beginning the installation, it is important to gather the necessary tools and materials, which may include the roll pan, screws or bolts, a drill, a screwdriver or wrench, and paint or undercoating for protection against rust. It is also recommended to have your roll pan painted before installation, as it can be more difficult to paint it afterward, especially if you choose to weld it in place.

Fitting the Roll Pan:

Start by test-fitting the roll pan to ensure it aligns with the contours of your vehicle's body. Some roll pans may require modifications, such as drilling holes or reshaping the metal, for a perfect fit. You may need to compare the roll pan with the vehicle's body lines and make adjustments accordingly.

Securing the Roll Pan:

Once you are satisfied with the fit, you can begin securing the roll pan in place. Roll pans typically use sheet metal screws or bolts to mount to the bed of the vehicle. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific number and placement of screws or bolts. In some cases, you may need to use additional fasteners or double-sided tape to ensure a secure fit.

Final Adjustments:

After the roll pan is securely in place, take the time to check for any necessary adjustments. Ensure that the roll pan is flush with the surrounding body panels and that there is no gap or misalignment. You may also need to install a license plate box or determine an alternative location for your license plate if it was previously mounted on the roll pan.

Welding (Optional):

While bolt-on roll pans can be installed without welding, some people choose to weld them in place for a more permanent solution. If you decide to weld your roll pan, it is important to ensure that all the necessary screws and fasteners are in place before beginning the welding process.

Please note that this guide provides a general overview of the installation process, and specific steps may vary depending on your vehicle's make and model, as well as the design of the roll pan you have purchased. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and seek professional advice if you are unsure about any part of the installation process.

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Cost

The cost of a roll pan varies depending on the material it is made of and the manufacturer. Roll pans can be made of steel, fibreglass, or urethane plastic. Steel roll pans, for example, can be welded to a steel bed but cannot be welded to a fibreglass or composite plastic bed.

Some companies, like Andy's Auto Sport, offer a wide range of roll pans, including cheap options and more expensive steel roll pans. Other companies that offer roll pans include Sir Michaels, which was once considered the highest quality, but they have since gone out of business.

It is also possible to have a local shop build a custom roll pan for a decent price. However, the exact cost will depend on the complexity of the design and the materials used.

When purchasing a roll pan, it is important to consider the cost of installation, as well as any additional parts or modifications that may be required. For example, if you plan to do any towing, you may need to install a "hidden" hitch behind the roll pan, which will add to the overall cost.

Frequently asked questions

A bolt-on roll pan is a formed sheet metal pan that can be bolted or welded onto a truck.

Sir Michaels, Street Scene, and Grant Fab are some companies that sell bolt-on roll pans.

Most roll pans use sheet metal screws to mount to the bed of the truck. You may also need to drill holes and use nutserts or flat bars to secure the pan.

It is recommended to paint or apply a rubberized undercoating to the underside of the roll pan to prevent rust.

Some users have reported that bolt-on roll pans may not fit 100% correctly and may require some fitting and reshaping during installation.

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