Anyone have any pointers on how to replace the pan under the front of the bed under the cover piece. Does it need to be taken to a shop
/ Or can it be done at home without great difficulty. Would appreciate any reply from someone who has done one before.

Welcome Elcaminobob to ECC / NECOA...

That is a floorboard out of the stationwagon. Find one and cut that piece out it is the place where normally the feet would go if you were sitting in the back seat of a station wagon. No kidding.

Or just use anything else it is empty space referred to as "Smuggler's Box" by most.

If you're not very handy and/or don't have the right tools, I'd suggest taking it to the body shop. You can purchase a repro pan from several different fenders, but it's not that easy to replace unless your doing a frame off and replacing it from underneath. Dan