[guitarman2201]

Thanks to everyone who commented. I understand the value of this guitar is not worth the cost of a professional repair, indeed I'm not really lookingto achieve that. However as already stated, it's the sentimental value. In fact my son is not usually the sentimental type. The very fact that that he has kept this guitar, despite the damage, while swapping or selling several much more desirable instruments over the years, tells me this is perhaps an exception to how he usually thinks! The guitar is playable and sounds good even though it didn't cost a lot. There is no other damage to the back or internally, I looked with a mirror. I guess I will try the dowel method as suggested and then clean it up. Where do I buy new lacquer to finish off the repair and what exactly do I need to restore the finish?

Thanks again everyone.