Best way to "seal" gap between metal

[jentzschman]

So. I am reworking my rear bumper so I can build a swing out tire carrier.

I had to add some metal, as seen in the photo, to allow a good mounting place for the hinge.
The hinge will go on the right hand side in about the spot you can see the half circles on the metal.



I had thought of just welding the gap, but thinking that might take too long and be unnecessary.

Is there a way to seal the gap so then I can grind/blend it together to give it the appearance of being one piece?

Just trying to make due with what I have available to me.

Also, I did not want to start all over as I do not have all the fancy tools to make the brackets again, I did not like the look of just adding the square tube directly on the existing piece, and I wanted the hinge to be as close to the body (for that I do care about the looks).


Anyway, thanks for any thoughts and ideas.

 

[UNSTUCK]

I would weld it, but you could either jb weld it or bondo. Then grind/sand it smooth.

 

[jentzschman]

Ya. After some brainstorming, I figured that would be the best way. Welder has 20% duty cycle, so its slow going, but im not in a hurry either...

Thanks for the help.

 

[jackjoh]

What unstuck said.