Jeff,
Thanks for the heads-up on the bolts in the angle at the bottom of the sides. I was kind if thinking of something like what you mention, had not figured out specifically how to do it. I did mark the angle bolts location on the side boards , when the painter was working on the bed. I should be able to router a slot off my marks, for the bolts like you suggested, then slip the boards under the angle piece. This certainly will be a lot easier.
Picture of angle and bolts to help explain discussion to non steppers, what we go through, I certainly did not fully understand before having one, the work involved. If you like the look, definitely worth the effort.
Thanks,
Les