Help With Attaching Custom Dash

[gbledsoe3]

My son and I are building a custom dash for our 71 Cutlass Supreme. One that ideally is removable unlike the original which was welding in across the cowl area. We drilled out all the spot welds on the original dash because I'm reluctant to just 'cut it up'. If it had to go back in, it could. I know we'll had to deal with the VIN plate from the original, which means I'll likely need to cut around that and re-weld it the pinch weld area on the cowl just like it was originally. Then on the new custom dash, just cut an reveal window so it VIN shows.

My question today is making a 'replacement' edge like on the original dash panel that will spot weld to the cowl area which will have an area where small bolts (five or six across the cowl) could be used to attach the new custom dash panel. The new custom dash will bolt the each side at the bottom of the A-pillar and underneath to an existing hole used on the original dash panel.

Here is the pinch weld are with 1/2 of the new partial cowl panel I made up to test.


Here is the new partial cowl panel held in place with clecos.

And here is the new custom dash held in place with clecos to the pinch weld are not using the new cowl patch panel I made.


This is the original dash panel.





Suggestions are welcome. We're first timers and would like ideas from those with much more experience.

[Jetfixr320]

You could use Riv-Nuts and then bolt it in. http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-rivet-nuts/=y80sdx