New Bed

Started putting the new bed  together this week. Got all the metal mounted and drilled holes to mount the front piece to the side pieces. Cross and tail pieces are in. Mounted the tail gate. Want to use some kind of hidden tailgate latches and do away with the chains. Researching that now. As you can see in the pictures, I had my best helper on duty again. She even put on her apron so she wouldn't get dirty.
Did a mock-up on the red oak flooring. Looks to be nice wood. Got the two outside pieces laying in place. now have to drill a bunch of mounting holes along each side. All the rest of the mounting bolts will go in-between the boards. The stainless skid runners have a protective coating on them now so they won't get marked up.
Ordered the pads that go between the bed and frame and four other special bolts and washers for hold downs.
Looks like I will have to get a shorter gas tank fill neck to go under the wood floor. Then will have to make a trap door to access the fill.
Still trying to find a different hood. No luck yet, but have a lot of feelers out.
I'm glad I went with the new bed.  It's been nice getting back at it