Metal dashboard repair

[ZBeastie]

1966 Fj45 resto where PO cut holes in dash for modern gauges (approx 2" in diameter). Any recommendations on gauge of metal to use as a weld on and bondo repair? Also have a hole in the dash area that has the raised lines. Any suggestions as to how to reproduce those?

Thanks from a newbie!

 

[LSUfj]

I'd go with 16 ga. It'll be easier to weld. I'd also cut it to have almost no gap between new and old steel.

 

[Coolerman]

A hammer and a piece of hardwood cut to the proper dimensions will allow you to form the raised areas on a piece of 16ga sheet metal. Once you have them formed, then trim to fit as close to the parent metal as possible.

Faster solution and more accurate would be to find an old dash and cut out the section(s) you need and weld that in.

 

[Jdc1]

To make a great fitting patch panel, lay the replacement piece over the hole, attach with a sheet metal screw and use the thinnest cut off wheel you can find to cut both pieces at the same time. Your seam will be the perfect size to weld the patch in. Use a copper backer and maybe some butt clamps to keep everything in place.

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

I do believe we need pics.