This is a problem that many of us older guys have had to deal with. Along with Jon G and the others I agree. My method is to buy some of the plumbers foam or something like it. Grease down the area to be braised or welded and spray the foam on. Let it dry for an Hour then carefully remove. Make an exact copy of it out of 2 x 2 or 2 by. The wood working part can be the most difficult part but, you can get it with patience. Clamp the wooden forms in the backside and keep hot water on hand then start brazing which is more forgiving than welding. I normally use clothes hanger material but old hanger material is getting difficult to find. Don't worry about the globs and runs, after a few minutes you WILL get the hang of it. Brass is easier to work with and you have more control over hot spots. Wish I could be there to show you. I once converted a 55 Chevy 150 body by cutting off 57 Chevy fins so that I could race on the dirt roundy rounder tracks and look like my 55 was a 57. That is where my brother and Dad showed me to race with the always cheating pro's. I learned well. Doc
