The smiting has already been done to the previous owner for his sins. I'm thinking you would have to cut that out to do the repair anyway, but I have not seen the patch panels either. Maybe you should get a look at the patches before cutting.

1953 Chevrolet 3600
Fried Green T'mater (Vern)
In the Stovebolt Gallery
Caution: Political Statement
Man who runs in front of car gets tired, man who runs behind car gets exhausted.