Dash???

[8man]

Ok, here is the PO hack job on the dash.
IMG_1973 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr
He hacked it out, including the support at the bottom.
IMG_1972 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

So I picked up a 54 dash that was in good shape when I saw it. Then they cut it out.
IMG_1971 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

This is where it is supposed to go to the A pillar, he just cut it off in the back of the curve. That is at the back next to the A pillar. There is NO WAY to weld or finish back in that valley.
IMG_1970 by Robert Moorman, on Flickr

This is for the 54 and I don't know what to do. Do I try to cut out the center section for a patch and try to make that smaller piece fit just where he cut it out, or do I try to figure out a way to replace the entire dash by cutting the old dash out a little inside the outline of the one I just picked up? Either way I will have finish welds on the dash, but with the patch I will have less welds to finish.

I'm leaning toward the patch, but wanted to see what others thought.

[mongocanfly]

i believe id try to patch....the less you have to replace the better

[mr48chev]

I have to agree with Mongocanfly, Pick spots where you can reach both sides of the metal reasonably easily to weld and finish and cut on the dotted lines.

[8man]

Thanks guys. I have been looking at it again and you are right, I will just patch it. I was laying out where to cut in my head so I could get to the weld to finish it. Had to stop and get back to work on the 48. Got to finish that one first then on to the 54.

[b-mac]

Not quite the same, but I did this to my dash. Went better than I imagined it would.

[8man]

Wow, thanks. That is very close to my issue and your cure is great.

[dsraven]

yep, cut at the skinny spots. less welding and distortion (and bodywork later)
cut a template from plywood or find a coffee can to fit the guage and dash holes before cutting anything. then on assembly, before welding, you have a pattern to hold to. tack different spots as you go to keep things true to form and check as you go to ensure it's not getting away on you as you weld it up.
flap discs work great to cut the weld bead down after, just be carefull not to spend too much time in one spot or the metal will get thin on the edges.

[b-mac]

I concur. I slowly tack welded this in over a 3 hour period.

[mr48chev]

Great advice from both of them. If I had some old gauges that were too far gone to use I'd use those to fit things up. Cut, fit, trim, tack check, adjust, weld, finish. All with a whole lot of patience and if it becomes work go do something else. I found out the hard way years ago that the moment working on your project becomes stressful it is time to stop and go do something entirely different. If you are stressed out you usually end up doing the same step two or three times to fix what you screwed up the first time.