Bruce88 has a fantastic build thread with tons of information in it. It takes a while to get through, but if you read the whole thing you will be amazed.
One of the tips is replacing the radio panel section of the dash with very little welding compared to the repair panel mentioned above. You do need a donor vehicle for the new panel.
It is located on Page 10 of his Build Thread, post #236. You just can't beat this fix.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...318544&page=10
This is exactly what I am going to do to repair mine....