[mrein3]

Consider this one more vote for bolting it all together, fixing stuff that isn't right, make sure it is square, then take it all apart again.

When I did my metal floor, long box, I sprayed epoxy first. Then color. Then I had a really good friend whom I trust help me put it back together.

Put tape on edges during re-assembly in areas you think you might scratch.

If two guys can do it with a real box (an 8 footer), you should be able to handle a shorty as well with you and a friend on re-assembly.

FWIW, I bought one re-pop box side. I had to cut the spots welds off the little about 3" wide angle bracket on the back stake pocket and lower it some. It was over three eighths of an inch high from China.

Oh. And if you are gonna run a spare tire carrier, don't forget to mock that up on your first assembly of unpainted parts. I know a guy that forgot to do that and now he is afraid to drill holes in a nice, freshly painted box.