The "Black Menace" is pretty forlorn, LOL

That should work. Just a little advice on the welding. I don't know what kind of machine you are gonna use so here's my input. Mig (if you don't have a tig)
A small 110 machine is good for this (lincoln or miller) small copperclad mig wire .025 and gas mix of 75/25,(runs cleaner than co2) As far as the nails go for backing, hit the heads on the bench grinder to get rid of any kind of coating like galvanizing and such.
That will eliminate any blowouts. Pm me if you wish
Luke