I don't think anyone is talking complete dash install just for a radio patch. I assume they are asking "is buying a whole dash the only way to get a radio repair patch". It would be quite silly to replace the whole dash in my opinion. It is true that any part of any truck can be "made". But many folks are not that good at some shapes with DIY skills and can't afford a skilled body man. This area does not seem to be too difficult to "bend" a piece of sheet metal (computer tower) over a 55 gal drum or just use a piece of 55 gal drum.
......or something like that. Using a delete plate seems best to me. As I said, without seeing exactly what the damage is.
P.S. I do not see a patch offered like TF and up have.
Watch out, Jerry has a wheelbarrow tub trick he may employ here.
BTW: old washers and dryers make good free sheet metal. Avoid the powder coated ones if you can.
