The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Dash repair question

Hello again,
I have a 65 Stepside C10. I didn't get any responses in the "Interior" section of the forum probably because this is more about welding, so I will re-post it here.

I just got back from the salvage yard where I was fortunate enough to find a stock radio in a 1966 C10.

My dash has been cut up and ruined where the radio fits. See pic below.

I can go back to the salvage yard and cut the dash portion for the radio out with a Sawzall because it is undamaged.

Is the repair with an original dash piece going to be very difficult? I have no welding experience but have reasonable skills and aptitude. Or I could hire someone to do the repair.

Before today, I really did not intend to put a radio back in the original spot because I didn't think it would look good. But now I have options that will not cost much.


Any advice is appreciated.

See pics.

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt269/fastboatman29212/65%20Chevy%20C10/DSCN0835.jpg

http://i618.photobucket.com/albums/tt269/fastboatman29212/65%20Chevy%20C10/DSCN0834.jpg

First off, welding inside the cab can be challenging. Welding slag on the glass, burn holes in upholstry, fire under the dash ect! If the perfect patch can be formed to fit the opening exactly, this will reduce the amount of heat distortion and "finish" work required. How hard would it be to change out the entire dash? If it were mine, I'd come up with a nice looking radio face plate, and be done with it. Just my 2cents.

It can be done but if you have little or no experience welding thin sheet metal it is a job best left for one with knowledge of the art....Get more patch then you think you would ever need......

Thanks! Part of everyday common sense is knowing when the "Cure is worse than the disease" - like in this case!! LOL!!!

I think I will regret trying a patch panel or even hiring an experienced welder to do it. I did get the necessary piece out of the salvage yard dash. It will make a nice conversation piece.

Thanks again for the advice!