Hey all;
After considerable thought I have decided to say to hell with it.
I'm buying an entire new reproduction fleetside short bed for my truck.
After looking at what it would cost to buy a original short bed then repair all the damage it makes more sense from a dollars and cents standpoint to just go with new sheet metal so here soon I'm going to take the plunge and get it ordered.
Yes my wallet will feel the pain but at least I will have close to perfect sheet metal to start with.
I have also decided to put a wood floor in it because they look really nice.