Been trying to get the bed back to a solid piece for safe removal. Made some closeout panels for the outer structure and fitted them up this morning.
Made a cardboard template (oversized of course so I could trim to fit)
.050" panel cut and ready
So I kinda skipped a picture/step here. I cut a few slits in the lip and rolled the edge before laying the new panel in place. The top is butt welded, the bottom is laid inside of the lip.
This should at least hold the structure in place so I can remove the bed, disassemble and fully weld on a bench (comfortably).