A “1950s farmer repair look” would be any sheet metal handy (example old license plates) and whatever attaching hardware you currently have available at the time.
That's what I did to fix crack in the bed rail except it's 16 gauge stock instead of license plate. Part of what makes old trucks so simple and fun to work on. Repairs you'd never consider on a '69 Camaro or Corvette look right at home on a truck, and even adds to their appeal, IMO.
