Thanks for all the replies. Do not know what type of metal it is but it is very soft and bendable.
This was located above the speedometer and attached with clutch head screws, since the holes are already there think I will reattach it the same way.
She was originally a Navy truck so I don't know if that had anything to do with the reason for the shift pattern plate being there. The only buffing wheels I have are for the dremel and have no experience using them. Whatever I do i will test on back first before proceeding, sounds like these aren't readily available so probably try not to screw it up.
Thanks again to all on this site there is so much knowledge I have obtained here.
