Welding Work

[BPVan]

I am looking for some local welding talent, on a budget, to tackle my doghouse modifications. I have been playing with it for some time trying to figure out exactly what I want to do with it. After a visit from Patrick and Jeff today I have it narrowed down.

The main issue is the 4V intake and carb stick out too far to fit inside the doghouse. I made a cut in the side panel where I want to create a "hump" to follow the contour of the intake and carb. In order for this to work and use the lid without modifications the entire doghouse will need to be raised 2 1/2". I will need to maintain the exact footprint so it mounts with no body modifications.

Pat brought up a good idea and I want to go with it which is use quick release hardware to fasten it back in to the floor, something like these: http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Bolt-Pro-B...317436&sr=1-10 I would like to make the doghouse one piece instead of 4 to help make it more rigid. With quick release pins I will not need the advantage of taking a single panel out. I am also in process of moving the wiring for the starter relay which OEM mounts to the doghouse.

Going along the above idea I want to ditch the hinge system for the cover and put hood pins in place of them. This makes it much easier to service the engine bay. Factory is to lift from the front which makes it awkward to work in. Some guys have swapped the hinge to the front for entry in the rear. This approach is an improvement but I would rather lift it completely out.

Finally I want all of the holes filled in and ground. Over the years too many drill bits went through these panels for various reasons, most not so good. In fat, my cut out worked out well as previously the guy cut the panel so he could fold it in to adjust the carb then fold it back and tape it.

This project seems pretty straight forward for those with the skills, I do not have such skills. Any recommendations on both design and a good welder would be much appreciated.