Stepside bed front panel - repair mine or buy new?

[Lugnutz65]

I have 2 original stepside front bed panels. Both have bad rust at the lower 3 inches of the panel. The options as I see them are:
1. Buy a brand new panel
2. Repair the best panel with a piece of NEW sheet metal with the proper flange bent along the bottom edge
3. Cut a repair patch from the 2nd front panel and bend a flange. see photo.

About option #3. The area immediately above the stamped rectangle could be cut and used as a patch. See photo.

A repair will require hours of work but might fit better. Buying a new piece will be about $90.

How well do the stepside repop front panels fit?
Opinions welcome.

[bosephus]

I would purchase one from mar-k,American made. I don't have experience with their front panels but the bed strip and wood were quality pieces

[Chevy Fleetside]

They fit pretty good actually. I would go with the Mar-k. I have a cheap one on my truck now and it fit very well. I can't remember where I got it but knowing me it was from a show when the carandtruckshop were there.

[Lugnutz65]

Thanks for the replies. I'll get a new panel then. Seems like the best option. For now I'll bolt one of these on and wait until the new panel arrives.

[1963c-10]

Mar-K for sure. Had to replace both...stepside & fleet and their product was heavier than the OEM panel and very affordable. You won't be disappointed with the Mar-K panel.

[jayoldschool]

I replaced mine with a Top Banana piece. Fit well, looks great. Only mods were to slightly enlarge a couple mounting holes. Painted with Rustoleum, it still looks fine after two years outside in Canadian winter.