Converting wood floor to steel, Front bed panel?

[chevy_mike]

Hi eveyone, I am converting my wood floor LWB to a steel floor. I already have the floor, which I cleaned up and did a spray on bedliner (Raptor brand), leaving the area around the edges painted where the sides bolt to it.

My question is, I know the front bed panels are different due to the wood versus steel thickness. Since my wood bed front panel, the mounting lip would be approx. 3/4" lower could I put a 3/4" steel spacer between the front panel lip and the bed floor?

My front panel is in great shape and is currently the same color of the truck, so I would not need to paint a replacement one if I swapped it out. I did the floor bedliner in black, so it will go with any color.

Do you think my idea would work? Thanks!!!

[umwtnt]

I don't know this for a fact but I don't see why not. You would probably be the only one to know the difference. You may also be able to just spot weld in a new lip at the proper height. Good Luck.

[STP67-72]

It works just fine. I have done it a couple times.

[chevy_mike]

Sweet, thanks for the input.

umwtnt- I had thought about that but then I would need to prime/paint the areas cut and welded. Trying to avoid that if possible.

The added bonus, if it is one, is by having this extra bar across the front lip, it makes it even stronger. Can't hurt.

Thanks again.

[neonlarry]

I used some 3/4" square tubing, drilled holes for the bolts it works like a charm.
And like you said no need for paint.

[chevy_mike]

Originally Posted by neonlarry

I used some 3/4" square tubing, drilled holes for the bolts it works like a charm.
And like you said no need for paint.

That is exactly what I was thinking. Time to check my metal pile.