Flareside step support bracket. Ideas?

[ranger_rick]

i am switching out my old rusted out flareside box on my 2002 XLT 4x4.

the tex box is in very good condition BUT the step support platforms are extremely rusty or rotted out completely.

i thought about making new ones and was hoping someone had done one before and had a diagram or plans?

Maybe someone has a better idea on what to use in place of the box supports??

My old box rusted out in the same area and took most of the box pillar with it. Thankfully the pillar on the new box are on great condition and only the step support boxes are at issue.

The fix for the old box was to fasten the steps to the frame itself with an "L" bracket and a piece of predrilled flat steel that i picked up at the hardware store. lol and Since the new box in such good condition i would like to maintain the stock appearance and not rig "L" brackets

Thank you in advance RR

 

[hank857]

you need to pull the valances off and see the total condition, then maybe find a good body shop and have them fab a set and either cut off or just use the new set to reinforce. Looks like ther is rust all thru that forward area in the picture? You may need to flip the box over and then do a good clean and spray with some preservative primer and then paint over with some sort of preservative paint?

 

[ranger_rick]

yes thanks hank thats where i am at now: fiberglass side panels off, flipped, power washed, all loose paint and rust ground off, applying Chassis Saver. mostly surface rust. other than the support boxes everything is very good to excellent condition

 

[hank857]

look at you tube, there are stories on how to grind and replace panels I think, or search some of the tv programs that have info on how to do cut and repairs. Easiest will be to find a guy that already knows how and get his/her help to cut out and weld in new maybe?

hope the best for ya.