Thanks for the comments guys. Seems about evenly weighted between fix it and replace it.
The pics showing the bed dismantling are at my buddy's place where the truck is right now. He has an awesome view of Denali and Knik arm (not a lake, btw, but part of Cook Inlet). Did I mention he's a GOOD buddy? He also has a large shop that he lets me use and I help him on his projects as well (but I'm at a big deficit.)
I'm relearning how to weld since about the 70's and discovering how hard it is to keep a flat panel flat once heat gets to it. I've repaired the front bed panel and as mentioned done some patching on the opposite side panel and am starting to get the hang of it.
I could afford a new bedside (about 1 months worth of pension from my previous employer, which I designated as my project fund), but I kind of enjoy the challenge of fixing things, so will probably give it a go. One of my employee's dad owns a body shop and he's learned the trade and is giving me pointers. If I screw it up too badly, I can always go the new route.
This is going to be a "work truck" restoration, so assembly line perfection is not necessarily my goal.
Thanks all for the comments.
