How hard is it to stud your bed to frame bolts?

[72step]

I'm working on a stepside bed and wondering if you all can give me any pointers on how to stud the bed bolts so you don't have them show on the wood side. I'm working on a 65 but these beds are all the same and I figure there's more hits on the 67-72 side. So I was looking at my cross brace supports and it looks pretty straight forward--just weld like a 1" or 1.25" bolt to the center of the hole on bottom of the cross brace right? What am I missing? I'm thinking then just tape the threads with electrical tape so they don't get damaged when you're lining it up. Any info you all can give me is much appreciated!

On a slightly separate note; I'm cutting my own trex composite board for the floor and I'll be using new stainless strips.

[DA68]

I just used carriage bolts and recessed the underneath of the bed wood with a Dremel. My bed was already on the truck, but think you'd be fine with it off. You'd just have to lower bed assembly onto the frame slowly.

[72step]

Originally Posted by DA68

I just used carriage bolts and recessed the underneath of the bed wood with a Dremel. My bed was already on the truck, but think you'd be fine with it off. You'd just have to lower bed assembly onto the frame slowly.

Thanks. But then for future bed removal; could make your life hell. I'm thinking of welding in a nut in the center of the hole and should be easier right?