Chris I have to disagree. I don't think low cost automatically means bad job.

I don't have very many friends at all here in Oz. Sure I can go rent a welder but I have no idea how to use it. Sure I can take a welding course or study it on you tube. But do I really want to weld for the first time on something that has to be completely safe and free from harm?

Good tip on the offcuts, didn't think of that. And the mattress would work if I didn't have doors and rear guards already perfectly set by a panelbeater (previous owner).

I've picked my brain trying to think of safe ways to do with minimal cost and minimal impact to the shell. I've spent a good amount of money on paint and I certainly don't want to do a poor job. The reason I revived this post was to brainstorm for ideas among a bunch of people who have been down this road before. Not jump to the end conclusion.