installing angle strips on stepside

[lock]

Ive got some stainless angle strips and Im curious how to install them. Id rather weld them in than bolting them.. but should it be done before or after paint? If before paint, do you get the bedside prep'd and primed ready for paint then install and mask while painting?

Also, for those who have bolted them in, Im guessing most of the bolts are hidden under the fender and a few show in front of the fender. Anyone have a pic of this?



http://lh3.ggpht.com/_PZduIY2AOPU/Ss...0/DSCN3787.JPG

[mbgmike]

Originally Posted by lock

Ive got some stainless angle strips and Im curious how to install them. Id rather weld them in than bolting them.. but should it be done before or after paint? If before paint, do you get the bedside prep'd and primed ready for paint then install and mask while painting?

Also, for those who have bolted them in, Im guessing most of the bolts are hidden under the fender and a few show in front of the fender. Anyone have a pic of this?



http://lh3.ggpht.com/_PZduIY2AOPU/Ss...0/DSCN3787.JPG

Personally I would glue them on the sides with panel adhesive and bolt the bottom to the wood as usual.
I don't like the bolts showing

[bigsnookmaster]

These strips actually support the bed. I bought the Mar-k bedsides with the strips already on. I would drill them and have them tig welded on with stainless filler rod, to simulate the way they do it from the factory, then grind and polish the strips. I think iI would do it before the body work. It's alot of work to make it look right. I cut wheel tubs in mine, and finished it off, what a PITA!,but it turned out nice. Here's a pic

[bigsnookmaster]

You could probably also lay the strips in the proper location and mark the bedside, then drill holes thru the bed behind the strip, then put the strip in place and plug weld it from the outside with a mig welder,grind the weld and finish the body on the outside.