inner wing and mk2 dash work

I am just in the middle of a mild restoration of a low mileage 4 door saloon, there were a few bubbles on the passenger inner wing under the bonnet by the water header. I took the grinder to it and there is a minor gap (hairline) almost an inch long where the header tank is between the top inner wing and chassis leg. Is the top inner wing spot welded to the chassis leg? If so this would be the gap between the spots, if not I'll just seam weld it when the weather improves.

Also the radio had been fitted with the studs that snap off (why?) so I had great difficulty getting it removed and have damaged some of the grey soft material. Is there anyway of repairing it (with a heat gun or something)?

Thanks

I have never really liked the 4 door saloons but the potential is great and the 1.0 engine is sweet.