I'm picking up my truck next week and am planning to get my bed sprayed with Line-X as well as installing an aluminum tool chest (that bolts to the bed) and a headache rack. My question is is it better to install the chest and rack first, then remove them and have the Line-X sprayed on (and not spray over the holes naturally) and then reinstall them or is better to have the Line-X sprayed on first then drill thru it to install the chest and rack?

Line X first!

If you plan on bolting down the box, I would install it first. Then remove it and drill the holes larger, as the Line-X will fill in the sides. For instance, if you use 3/8 bolts to secure the box, I'd open the holes to 1/2. My logic in doing the box first is that way way the holes won't be as likely to rust later. Just remember, if you push the box all the way against the front of the bed before drilling the holes, they won't line up after you get it Line-xed. Best to move it out about a 1/4 inch first.

If you plan on bolting down the box, I would install it first. Then remove it and drill the holes larger, as the Line-X will fill in the sides. For instance, if you use 3/8 bolts to secure the box, I'd open the holes to 1/2. My logic in doing the box first is that way way the holes won't be as likely to rust later. Just remember, if you push the box all the way against the front of the bed before drilling the holes, they won't line up after you get it Line-xed. Best to move it out about a 1/4 inch first.

x2

drill your holes a few sizes bigger and then have them spray. im not sure how much the hole will close with the line x. depending on how thick i sprayed the reflex was how much of a whole i could fill. 1/2 inch holes would be about halffilled once i was done.

when i did my sprays i took masking tape and rolled it up and stuck it into the holes. after spraying i pulled the tape and the hole was still there. thought i would add that if you were wondering how that was done

x3 yeah drill holes a little bigger, because when they spray the holes will end up being smaller.

if you plan on bolting down the box, i would install it first. Then remove it and drill the holes larger, as the line-x will fill in the sides. For instance, if you use 3/8 bolts to secure the box, i'd open the holes to 1/2. My logic in doing the box first is that way way the holes won't be as likely to rust later. Just remember, if you push the box all the way against the front of the bed before drilling the holes, they won't line up after you get it line-xed. Best to move it out about a 1/4 inch first. x4

My thinking is the thickness of the liner is going to throw your mounting points off a tick,It really Doesnt Matter either way, do what's best/easiest for you.;)

Thanks for the replys guys.

So if I've got this right, if I drill the holes first drill them a little larger so that they'll end up the right size once they're sprayed; I assume I wouldn't plug them with masking tape prior to them being sprayed if I overdrill them. If I plug them with masking tape prior to spraying I wouldn't need to overdrill them, correct?

Nope, I disagree. Have the liner installed first. Then drill the holes and install the other accessories.

if you spray then drill the holes you will have exposed metal from the drilling. we all know that things will rust from inside out. just my opinion though.

Nope, I disagree. Have the liner installed first. Then drill the holes and install the other accessories.

spray then put it in

There won't be any water penetration. The liner serves as a "washer".

a little silicone will keep the rust at bay in the mounting hole..

a little silicone will keep the rust at bay in the mounting hole..

IMHO, grease works better. Silicone is ok, but after it cures, it can (and does) pull away from the surface. It can also impair things if you have to disassemble things for any reason. Good waterproof, high temp grease on the other hand will protect forever and is easy to remove.

if you spray then drill the holes you will have exposed metal from the drilling. We all know that things will rust from inside out. Just my opinion though.
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