If you are handy at all, you could pick up a small mig welder and I believe the panel you are talking about on your 54 Chev is available repro. Cut out the old piece, practice with the welder and weld in the new one. Even with buying the welder, you should be dollars ahead. Then maybe you can just get them to finish off the new panel before painting. Like has been said, it is very labour intensified with this work and the more you can do, the better. Sometimes by asking around at cruise nights and car shows, you will find a bofyman that works for cash at home to prep yours out for you. Good Luck
