[TR] FW: [6pack] Floorpan replacement and Rust repair quote...

[Alex&Janet Thomson]

I would agree - A wire feed machine is what an auto body person needs unless
you plan on doing a lot of aluminum or stainless steel work. The flux core
wire is fine for some structural work but chipping slag makes it difficult
to get a clean bead to either weld or paint over. There may be some
multi-function machines that will have constant current (stick & TIG) and
constant voltage (wire feed) features but cost may be an issue. I would
stick with a name brand machine and a name brand gun so that consumables
will always be available. I wouldn't buy a welder that has a different name
on it than who actually makes it. 120 Volt machines may be okay for sheet
metal but will probably max out at 100 amps or so. They also will have a 20
amp outlet pegged to the max! Go with a 240 volt (not amp) machine for when
you want to do frames or other projects. Those machines will provide a top
output of around 180 - 200 amp. Some machines have multi-voltage inputs
which make them really versatile. For shielding gas, an Argon/Carbon Dioxide
mix will usually work well at about 25 cubic feet/hour. A knowledgeable
welding distributor will steer you in the right direction after you have
talked to an experienced welder. Be prepared for a variety of opinions. Make
sure you have a safe place to weld! Sparks can linger for quite some time
when they land against wood and then they come back to haunt you.

 

Alex Thomson

 

From: Triumphs [mailto:triumphs-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Andrew
Uprichard
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 5:24 PM
To: triumphs at autox.team.net
Subject: [TR] FW: [6pack] Floorpan replacement and Rust repair quote...

 

Hopefully a typo, but what you need is a MIG welder, not TIG.

 

Hey - I am a physician and bought myself a MIG welder, found a local welder
and said - "teach me to weld!"  I still can't run a decent bead (so I don't
do any structural work, like frames, but good spot welds suffice for the
majority of repairs (including floors).

 

Two tips:

-        Buy a welder with a tank of argon:  in my experience the fluxed
wire just isn't as good

-        240 amps makes for a much better weld 

 

Andrew Uprichard

 

From: 6pack [mailto:6pack-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of James_ via
6pack
Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 3:59 PM
To: 6pack at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [6pack] Floorpan replacement and Rust repair quote...

 

Thanks everyone for the great words and advice.

 

I want a good job and get her on the road so i can drive it. but with all
these rusted out sections, i need to repair them first.

 

I am totally tempted to go out, buy a TIG welder (a bit expensive) and LEARN
to weld!

Seriously. I haven't seen any welding classes over the summer, but there
will be many in the Fall. But I can teach myself and find friends of friends

instruct me.

I would not do the floor pans but at least the flat sections needing repair.
One area is on the firewall 

near the commission plates . probably a 1"x5" section.

 

So most sections I need are flat sections. Except for the crazy corner
section directly under the fuse box, master cylinder area.

Which leads me to this: If I can locate a perfect salvaged inner fender and
wheel arch that I can extract this crazy multi-sided

section. I simply cut out the bad and have someone weld in the good
replacement. saves fabricating from scratch. or do it myself. 

 

Anyone have a good source to find donor panels: wheel arch/inner fender
sections?

Ideally here in Oregon, but willing to pay for shipping. Be even nicer if
someone has the small section I need and not have to ruin a good part that
is intact.

 

Thanks.

 

James

 

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