While I was trying to figure out a game plan for repairing/replacing the rear heat coolant lines I traced the rear heater lines to the heater core located under the rear bed.  I took apart the bed to take a closer look and realized that the bed frame was in desperate need for some structural repairs.  They had fabricated the entire frame from 1/2″ strips of pine or fir with all butt joints that were held together only by large staples.  Needless to say, it was in a sad state and I reinforced every joint with a Simpson strong tie metal strap and some screws.  Now it’s better than new.

Crappy stapled joints.

Re-enforced with Simpson Strong Tie straps