Mark’s misadventures, Just getting started Options

[mepstein]

What can go wrong? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)


(IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[nihil44]

Mepstein (I think your name is Mark - no discourtesy intended),

I have a rescue project ('76) that was a marginal decision between restore or crush. Yep, I fell for the restore decision.

I have not posted the project as I would be too embarrassed to reveal my lack of bodywork skills.

However, could I pass on some things to consider when welding our project cars. Welding will be butt or plug welding. Don't ask me how I found out these things to follow.

All the Youtube videos don't address the type of welding we encounter - thin gauge metal (usually 19 gauge when new) which has been significantly thinned by rust.

Leave a gap when butt welding - about a body saw thickness. Failure to do so will cause buckling of the welded edges

Careful if using neodymium (super strong ) magnets to hold panels when welding. If you weld too close to them they will splatter the weld as the magnet pulls the weld 'spray' towards it and the magnet will tend to pull the abutting edges together and cause buckling. I put in a thin sheet copper spacer between the edges to prevent this.

Make sure the abutting edges are level. I used to judge this by touch but now use a straight edge to assess this.

Make sure metal to be joined is clean. Particularly abrade off any zinc protective coating which will interfere with the weld

You can't weld across gaps. Clamp firmly pieces to be welded.

Plug welding for me is still a work in progress and am disappointed by the lack of educational material on this process on the net

Hope this contribution is of some help. I ave many more mistakes to make and hopefully can offer some more do's and don't's from my misadventures.

Good luck and I feel your future pain

David