'39-'46 is the same. Can be hard to find in perfect shape. Have heard that some of the reproductions didn't fit well, but neither do some originals in the lower driver's side corner.

I've done exactly what you're thinking about doing many times. Cut the upper pieces off just past the end of the connecting v-bars, before the frame starts to curve too much. Flip the pieces side for side and use them on the bottom. Works good, but you must keep the pieces as short as possible. Long enough to get the welds past the end of the connecting v-bar, but not much farther.

To be long remembered as he's cruising in
The Passing Lane