Panel below the tailgate - how to install right?

[msg]

Years ago I dismantled the 66 and during the bed removal I was unbolting panels and found that that panel that sits below the tailgate is welded on in 2 spots on each side..or at least mine was.

I have been sandblasting and repainting and will hopefully someday be reassembling. Before that day though I wondered if I need to weld it back together in those spots before I paint? The panel is on its own now sandblasted and has epoxy primer, needing 2k next. Whats the right way to go about this?

Here is a pic from 2015 when I tore it down

[msg]

the upper and lower portions were welded on from what I remember

the upper was welded where I am pointing, and the lower area has a spot on the edge as well that was welded

[msg]

Lower spot I'm talking about

[jayoldschool]

You can just bolt it in. The weld is to make it easier to assemble at the factory.

[Clyde65]

What Jay said!

[msg]

Whew, thanks guys!!!!

[damnyankee36]

Yeah, the four bolts in each corner have way more strength at keeping things square than a single weld. Definately not needed.

FWIW, I understand GMC's were apparently not welded.