filling dashpad holes

[f100fordtruck]

I want to weld the holes on my dash where the bolts for the dashpad would go. Do i just need to fill it in slowly? or should i get some sheet metal and weld it in like that?

[stephen44]

I would cut a piece of metal to shape - tight fit and then butt weld it in - grind it smooth and a dab of filler and you're done

[Whateverman]

the holes where the studs on the the bottom of the dashpad go thru? they're pretty small and the steel is fairly thick,there's no need to cut anything to fit ( well,maybe you could trim the length of the bolts if you go that way)

2 ways to do it : (1) back up the holes with a piece of copper and plug weld em closed - the filler metal (steel) won't stick to the copper - crush a piece of copper pipe and hold it to the back side of the hole (you can use a penny instead - sometimes you can even tape em into place ) while you fill the hole with weld (usually a only takes few circles)
(2) get some short bolts ( carriage bolts work good or even nails ) with a head slightly larger (slightly)
than the hole,tack them in place on 3 or 4 sides ,grind the heads down close to flush,tack again between the original tacks...repeat till its all good

-using a flap disc on your angle grinder will lessen the amount of gouging when you grind the welds down

[1971ford]

whateverman said it all...

Either use nail heads or hold copper under the hole. I'm going to be doing this on mine. I haven't looked at it yet but I bet i'll be just using nail heads. This is how i fill holes that were drilled in my bed

[BobbyFord]

Just don't use galvanized nails and be sure to wire wheel off any anti-corrosion coating that may be on the nails before welding.

[f100fordtruck]

hey ryan, when do you think you'll be doing your dash? I know you like to take alot of pictures and i'd like to see how you do yours.

[1971ford]

Not sure yet, it may be this summer or may be in quite some time.
I'll post a thread about if i get to it this summer though

[f100fordtruck]

alright thanks man...i get out of school in a couple days, so if I get around to doin it, i'll make a thread also.