joe,
i had the same dilema. my unprotected wood was getting mildew on it.
so, not wanting to remove all those darn bolts either, i did mine while still in the truck.
first i pressure cleaned the wood, let it set for more than a week, then masked the strips, sanded the wood, then stained then clear coated.
details are in my picture descriptions.
http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/...00/?action=view&current=DSC01735.jpg
http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/...00/?action=view&current=DSC01734.jpg
http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/...00/?action=view&current=DSC01744.jpg
http://s251.photobucket.com/albums/...00/?action=view&current=DSC01743.jpg

leonard

1957 Chevy 3100 1/2-Ton
Photobucket pictures
In the Gallery