Matt,
My welding is also normally of the 'functional' variety - and have never had
a problem with MoT tests. Where I have fitted repair panels to external
areas, I have ground back - still leaving a sound weld. But
underbody/chassis repairs I do not grind, unless there is a major build up
of excess metal. Most of the time it's not worth the bother.
As far as I am aware the main MoT requirement is that all patches must be
continuously welded to maintain the integrity of the panel/member. I often
use a spot welder where panels join - if that was how the original panels
joined. Apart from that, if the metal you are welding to is sound, and the
patch is no thinner than the original piece there should be no reason to
worry. As for testing before painting/finishing, again I have never had a
problem turning up with it all finished. After all they don't ask to strip
the paint etc. off last year's repairs!
Neil
----- Original Message -----
From: "Matt Rathney-Quinn" <tfg.tv2@virgin.net>
To: <british-cars@autox.team.net>; <triumphs@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, August 28, 2000 10:58 AM
Subject: UK MOT test; Welding Standards
> I'm repairing (as opposed to restoring) my 1966 Triumph Herald;
>
> The chassis is receiving extensive welding; much cutting out of rust and
> replacement with good metal.
>
> The problem is my welding AIN't pretty. Don't get me wrong, it's strong
> enough; I've ground back many welds to prove that to myself; it just ain't
> pretty and the chassis is going to wind up looking like a badly stitched
> patchwork quilt. Not that I mind that; the idea is to get a good tidy
> everyday driver out of this car; I've no intention to show it, this isn't
a
> restoration job it's an extensive repair job and to an extent I really
don't
> care what the underneath looks like, so long as it's strong, safe, and
gets
> through the annual test.
>
> The question is; how will this affect the (UK) MOT test An MOT tester has
> already told me that there is no problem with the actual amount of
welding;
> and he seems to be suggesting that the fact it is continuous is enough. As
> yet though I haven't got the guy to actually look at the car and give me a
> ye or ney ....I'm told that other mechanics have looked at the car in
my
> absence and pronounced the welding 'OK' if a little heavy handed; but I
> really feel I need further advice and comments.... And none of these
> mechanics have said it's ok to ME directly....
>
> Should I grind\dress the welding back? TO be honest I'd rather just leave
> the excess metal there; but it is heavy, particularly in corners where
I've
> built up layers of weld to convince myself that the new metal is actually
> attached to the old.
>
> ..and what about painting the chassis? Obvoiusly this needs to be done
> before re-assembly; but this MOT tester I spoke to reckons he would rather
> see it unpainted; impossible I say; I don't propose great gobs of bitumen
> based underseal; I plan to hammerite the chassis......
>
> HELP! I'm having a crisis of confidence here; Is ther an online guide to
> what's actually expected in the MOT? I did spend a few hours searching
but
> came up with nowt.
>
> As always, any thoughts, advice and experiences would be very welcome
>
> Matt.
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Matt Rathney-Quinn
>
> Please reply to: matt@tfgtv.co.uk
>
> TFG Arts and Media
> Professional Corporate Video for SMALL Business!
>
> www.tfgtv.co.uk
>
> ______________________________________________
>
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