Advice on dash welding?

[Tod59]

Hey Guys, a question about fixing/welding the aftermarket radio hole the previous owner cut into the dash on my 1959 1/2 ton.

Which method would you guys prefer to use as seen in picture #1 or picture #2? I can weld (just ok) and grind and use a wire welder at home. My fear is if I use method #2 and something goes wrong, in the welding process there is no more metal to cut and remove and fix.....except to buy a replacement dash and I don't want to do that $$.

I thought method #1 is better and take as little metal out as needed. If I screwed up, just make the hole in the dash a little bigger and order another $40.00 replacement panel.

I thought about replacing the metal exactly where the previous owner cut it out, but welding and grinding around the circular radio knob holes would be tricky at best.

So, any advice for those that have done this before? All comment and advice welcomed. I do want to do this myself and I'll use a wire welder with gas shielding.

Thanks
Tod