55.2-59 59 rocker/step replacement questions

[Hubscrub]

I'm replacing my steps etc. on my 59 and noticed during trial fitting that the new ones has a flange on the sides where the factory didn't. Just wondering if anybody left them or cut them off for a factory look? Also did anyone add the bracket on the underside of the step (see pic) to there repo ones?

[BIGglaSS]

I cut the flange off the step, and plug welded to the cab flange. Finished with epoxy seam sealer. I also wasn't happy with the rocker panel, and cut those off. Made my own. I did not put in that brace. I don't recall being one there. Is it factory or something someone added?

[dsraven]

the brace is factory think. all the tf trucks I have seen had them unless the rockers were replaced at some point. even them some had a home made spacer there.-

[Hubscrub]

I do believe cutting them off would look better as I plan to plug weld it like the factory spots welds were also. Yes the bracket is original as far as I can tell I didn't check the other side though. Thanks for the input guys.

[Dan in Pasadena]

I don't have a dog in this fight because my truck didn't need replacement steps but it seems to me like drilling several hole along the bottom edge of the cab step then slightly bending those flanges so they'd be OUTSIDE the step, plug welds filling the holes followed by seam sealer and spraying undercoating would be a VERY strong repair.

Obviously I am no body man but wouldn't this work well and the seam sealer/undercoating would prevent rust.

[Phungki]

I left the lip on that came on the replacement steps. Allowed me to plug weld both down and back. Overkill? Probably. I also took the brace in question off the old steps and put them on the new ones. I assume they were there for a reason like Im not getting any skinnier lol
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[_Ogre]

I assumed the flanges are there for the trucks that rusted off the OEM flange. Just cut it off if it bothers you

[dsraven]

if doing a numbers matching truck then I guess you could worry about it. check out the assembly manual to get it correct. otherwise just weld the thing in the easiest and strongest way you can but get the heights right etc. the corner seam should get seam sealer anyway so nobody is going to see it really. if somebody sees it and asks questions then that guy would obviously understand the reasoning or else be that guy who will tell you how you should have done it, for like an hour. you don't get that time back so let the comment slide off your back and carry on with something more important while he stands there lecturing. haha.
ensure the steel is clean both sides, coat it with weld through primer for the best rust resistance you can get with a weld in the area, set the new part where it needs to be for proper fitment, then weld it in, grind off the high spots and seal it. done. and most importantly, include pics here, lol.

[dsraven]

oh, and if it were me, I would also include those braces on the back side.