If you don't have a welder, find somebody who can weld it for you. No matter how long it lasts, you will be mad when it fails.

At that time, you will not only have to repeat most of the work you've already done, but you will also have to remove all of the fiberglass or lead, the finish bodywork, and the paint, so it is almost twice the work you did the first time!

Do it right, and never worry about it again.