Thanks
As far as I could tell the gauge of the patch (as compared to the metal on the underside of the dash) was as close as any cold plate steel I could buy at the local hardware store . 4 nice oversize washers already sourced to fit on either side of the dash thanks to Deve for that suggestion.

1950 Chevrolet model 1434 5-Window Canadian manufactured 1-Ton with Dump Bed / Hoist
In the Stovebolt Gallery
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You will never stop learning new things, no matter how old you are.