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what is the best way to fill holes ( dime sized ) in my 53 1/2 dash? http://s651.photobucket.com/user/Sc...72741%20dash%20holes_zpspfcauyyo.jpg.htm They are the two holes next to where the radio fits. The two outside holes are for the dials. Thanks, Scott

A correct gauge patch is what I do. A washer with a smaller hole then weld it closed will do. I cut a small piece of metal and butt weld it in, then grind everything smooth. A dime size hole is small enough to actually fill it in with weld if you are good.

In any case, (good or not so good) a copper backer bar helps quite a bit for filling holes.

(Happy Birthday, Deve )

Saw a "magnetic copper backer" from Eastwood on Youtube that looks promising... what kind of welder would I use? Deve, what do you mean by "correct gauge patch" and where do I find them? Will google it.. thanks, for the input.. I was thinking of Bondo or some some kind of fiberglass patch/filler. Thanks,
Scott

Here's what I got. http://www.amazon.com/Durston-Manuf...true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00. It's probably about the same as Eastwood would sell, but for less money. The only issue I have had with it is if there's lots of curvature in the panel, it's sometimes tough to get the pad flat against where you're welding. There are others that are a slab of copper with a handle attached, but you usually need a third hand to use one of those. You could make one of those from a piece of copper pipe that you flatten with a hammer. Copper pipe is available at about any hardware store or plumbing shop.

By "correct gauge" Deve meant cutting a patch from a piece of sheet metal of the proper (matching) thickness. A MIG or TIG welder works best for welding light metal. Bondo/Fiberglass would a less preferable option, IMO.

Yup. Really any piece of metal that is close would do. Part of an old fender, or just about anything can serve as a patch as long as the metals are the same for welding. I use this for the copper backing when I can:

http://www.harborfreight.com/welding-spoon-66785.html

Any piece of copper will do. Of course, if you don't have a piece of copper, just hold the piece to the hole with vise grips or something, tack it in place, then finish.

Wow, great advice... since this is not something that I see myself doing after these two hole, any recommendation for a "cheap" welder to do this job? Thanks, Scott

no! A cheap welder is a waste of money. If it costs you $300 or more for the welder, just take it to a welding shop and have them do it. You get a professional job and you don't have some junk tool lying around. MHO

Agree 100%.
I had a cheapo flux core welder that I sold off when I started this project. The old one wasn't good for much more than putting bird $#!^ on metal.
Even if you bought a decent MIG setup, that wouldn't be the first job I'd tackle anyway.

I am going to borrow a friends Mig welder and after a tutorial and practice will fill those holes referenced above. Any recommendation as to kind of "filler material" I would use? Thanks, Scott

Just the wire that comes out of the MIG wand. Your friend would probably have it loaded. DO practice. In this case very low setting with medium wire speed. It is very easy to blow holes in your dash instead of fixing it.

just take your time, and KEEP IT COOL!!!!!! if it's too hot to touch, then it's too hot to weld. also, do small tack welds, not one continuous weld, it may take a little more time, but the results will be worth your extra effort.

Richard

If you have an unrestorable fender laying around, you could use a piece of that.

Another handy tool is a welder's magnet Like these It will hold your plug in place till you get it tack welded.

If you're talking filler metal for the welder, you want steel wire of course. Your buddy should have the right stuff.

Thanks for all the advice. At this point, I will see if epoxy putty will do the job. Will update.

Epoxy putty seems to have worked great. AFter one hour, was able to sand and cut it with Dremel tool. Paint today.