Good news, local fab shop (Wilson Off-Road LLC, downtown Fayetteville) is going to make me the brackets. should have them in about 2 weeks, only delay being the main fabricator is on the sidelines due to a neck flare up.
Have another shop, word of mouth place, that is doing my rust repair right now. Actually pulled in (was driving the truck to the DMV for title/antique verification) and had the replacement panels in the bed. Should be up tomorrow afternoon or so. Also have leads on local places to do sand blasting and such for the bed kit. once I get the truck back, I'll be doing the duplicolor bed liner. First will be a heavy layer of black. then spray on of their OD green. not quite FS 34079, but at least close.
Goal right now is to have her painted and seat kit operational for the Veteran's Day Parade, 7 November.
Also, on the trail of rims. but they are low on the totem pole of importance. pretty sure pre-1994 Ford 16", 8 x 6.5" rims, 7" wide, are the closest and best bet.