[gale]

I don't think it could be any better. The holes and counterbores are all done, ready to bolt in.

I spread my boards out and put several coats of Thompson's Water Seal on all surfaces, paying special attention to the ends to slow down eventual rot. TWS is clear and thin so it should soak in pretty well.

I let that dry and thinned Rust-O-Leum black enamel with acetone and painted all surfaces with that. If it lasts as well as the original wood I'll be happy.

I painted the metal strips the color of the truck.