@ klhansen - We were able to cobble together "the old and the new" with the help of a crazy-talented transmission/mechanic friend. I ended up having to get an electric fan because, even with modifications, the old metal blades wouldn't turn freely with the brand new (aluminum) radiator and the original radiator support. Considering we hit temps of +100° during Indiana summers, the electric fan is a dream whole stopped at red lights.
@ Otto - I asked if anyone had any yard sticks they'd be willing to sell on my personal Facebook page, and friends and family began dropping them by the house, or asking me to stop by after work! My husband purchased some from eBay to fill in the holes, and to practice different layouts with. I've also seen them at swap meets (usually kinda pricey), and "Facebook Marketplace." My original bed boards are underneath.
I used a wooden floor glue in a caulking tube to section pieces onto a 1/2" piece of plywood. I have OCD, as does my 83 year old dad who helped me, so I alternated between a row of new sticks and a row of old sticks, and staggered each row as you would a hardwood floor. I made the half behind the driver's seat face you when you stand by the tire. Once I got to the middle, I turned them all to face you if you're standing by the rear passenger seat tire. I finished it off with paint-on marine grade polyurethane - six coats on the top, and four on the bottom. I slid it over my existing bed, and wah-lah!
I'll share some pictures of the finished product. Thank you for asking! I get really excited when people approach me about it because it's unique, matches my t-shirt shop "theme", and it's a good conversation starter. =)
P. S. The tool box holds my 12 volt battery, BTW. I decided to convert it to 12V in case I broke down while I was cruising alone. (I knew it would be easier to deal with than the 6V.) I kept my original dash and instrument cluster, and converted the gauges to 12V with the help of my husband and a friend.
