i have five metal strips on the 53 panel truck floor.one(eachside) 4 1/2" from the wheelwell,1 (each side)14"from wheelwell,one center at 24" from each wheelwell.i'm sure they were in the panel trucks to protect the wood from scrapes and scuffs. my 53 burb does not have them,as cargo was probably not a concern.my 49 parts panel has the wood slats similar to a pick-up with the metal strips .these strips are not the same length as the 53 has.tom
