Sheet metal repair for 63 falcon/econo

This may not be "how its done" but I am going to try to share how I am goign about it.  Please if you have any tips please do share.

These were the first few steps

I'm pretty happy with my results for my first time trying to shape body panels. I'm using 20 gauge cold rolled.  

This is second day of swing the hammer and dollies around...




Do you think its close enough to weld on there? Its fairly close but has about 1/16 to 1/8 " in some areas.  My plan was to smooth it as best I can and then stitch weld it from the window lip out and try to "convince" it to take the shape as I go.

As you can see in the original pic the "seam" is coming apart so I can't get a precise shape no matter how I try to match it up.

After welding and grinding as much as I can, I intend to "lead" it or use "all metal"  to smooth it out once its in.

Please post any tips if you have any.

Try to get all of old metal out for a good weld. I like the bulk dies you made. Make sure your piece is as close as possible to the old cutout. i like the metal to metal, but better results are with lead. Looks good.

Just saw your post on making the replacement panel. If you haven't completed it post on the MetalMeet forum or Garage Journal forum for additional input. I like see everyones efforts on making repair panels on here as I hope to try that on my van