You've already decided on a solution, but you could probably have someone spot weld the angle strips to your bedsides. The discoloration at the spot welds can be polished out with a wire brush on a rotary tool.
Maybe post he stainless strips in the Swap Meet in case anyone wants them.

Kevin
1951 Chevy 3100 work truck
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1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car)
Busting rust since the mid-60's
If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together.