This is to be a replacement box for my '74 4x4. Mine is worse. Guy I got it from cut out this section of the front bed runner because it was toast just there. You can also see a few rust holes at the front of the bed just above the floor. The inside of the runner is pretty well rusted as well but nothing has gone through the floor yet, but it's only a matter of time. Living in SoCal, or what's left of it, the process may slow down but that's all.
So, should I just weld in something to get the runner as close to what it should be and perhaps do the same with that front of the bed, or replace the whole runner? As for option no. 2, I've done a lot of looking but not found that front runner for my year, or '73-79' trucks, anywhere. Depending on what you think about the replacement route, I'd really appreciate knowing if those front runners can be had anywhere, including wrecking yards.
Oh, knowing how I am with trucks I probably won't keep this more that 7-10 years if that influences your advice.

Thanks again, Vic

 

No pictures.

 

Picky, picky, picky!

On the other hand, this may help my cause.

 

You're correct, there are no Ford dealers or obsolete suppliers that have that part (Front sill D3TZ-9910610-C) and no one reproduces it.
That is a fairly simple piece to repair though. I would cut it back far enough to get into good metal. Get a piece of sheet steel and cut it to size, bend to fit and butt weld in place.
One thing I would do. Before welding the piece in, Eastwood makes a rust encapsulator (Frame Saver) that is aerosol and has a 24" flexible tube, I would get a couple of cans and spray the inside of the crossmember to neutralize the remaining rust.

 

Thanks a lot. Just what I needed to hear: Simple, quick.