10 replies to this topic

[stuwhitfield]

hi,

I've read the FAQ on replacing the floor pans and have decided its time to tackle this job. I've got myself a welder (on Friday) and the pannel and am going to replace the whole front drivers side as it has been patched (v. badly) before and is rotten again.
My questions relates to butt welding it vs overlapping it. I am very much new to welding but yesterday got from random blobs all over the practice metal to penetrating welds in pretty straigt lines so I'm learning!
Would it be easier to overlap the weld or butt weld it? Any advice would be apprecieted.

thanks in advance

[jif2006]

Butt welding would be better aim for more heat on the new panel or the thicker panel to the thinner panel.

Also to add as a novice welder I would advice you look at the risks associated with welding.

For example it is quite common that users will not wear gauntlets as they feel restricted the light made by the welding process arc will burn skin and is linked to skin cancer so ensure all skin in covered at all times!.

Another on is where a user will not wear a mask for short jobs or where they think its not needed and will close there eyes as they think this will stop them from getting arc eye this is false the eye does not close completely and as such even with closed eyes will cause arc eye not to mention the above point.

Sorry to put a damper on the welding just a polite input hope this info mite provide some safe approach to welding

Above is my personal opinion and I would advice you google for more in depth info

Cheers

[stuwhitfield]

thanks for the advice. I have a set of gauntlets and an paraweld auto dimming mask and I have borrowed a C02 fire extinguisher. Read up a lot before deciding to learn this so hope I have covered the safety aspects (as well as my skin), although feel free to add anything I might have forgotton.

I will be using BOC argon light mix through a murex regulator with a sealy sipermig welder.

If butt is the way to go then thats what I'll aim for

[robtheplod]

Make sure you're confident your welding is good enough before doing the panel, practice lots first - remember the safety aspect above everything else as it's you who will be driving around in the car. Good luck and have fun!

[stuwhitfield]

thanks rob, I'll get someone form the mini club to look over it before it goes to mot-who knows he may even lend a hand if I catch him in the right mood!!

[sonikk4]

Safety first is always the way to go. Good thick overalls, gloves and welding mask. Check under the area you are going to weld to make sure there is nothing flammable there, oils old sealant etc. Fire extinguisher to hand is a must, personally i've got two in my garage both BCF but C02 will be fine but not water gas.

Butt weld will give the best finish by far. Take your time trimming the panel up to fit nicely, if you a mixture on Intergrips and clamps this will be fine to hold the panel in place then tack weld in position. Once you are happy seam weld an inch at a time to prevent distortion, you can try the trick of clamping some old copper pipe behind where you are welding to act as a heat soak.

Stagger your inch welds to prevent heat build up and once completed grind the welds down taking care not thin the metal out. Once you are happy, etch prime, prime and top coat the inside, on the underside the more coats of paint the better and stone chip as well.

Good luck and enjoy.

[stuwhitfield]

thanks sonikk. good tip about the heat soak-I had read something about using brass, but copper will be much easier to get hold of. Will also buy a set of intergrips, how many grips/clamps would you suggest I use?

[sonikk4]

thanks sonikk. good tip about the heat soak-I had read something about using brass, but copper will be much easier to get hold of. Will also buy a set of intergrips, how many grips/clamps would you suggest I use?

Hi Stu, bit of de-ja-vu going on here as i took a photo today of all the clamps i've been using



As you can see in the photo from the top are various sized 'C' clamps and down the r/h side are inter grips, skin pins and cleco pins
I have used all of these apart from the cleco's only because the pliers i need are at work and i keep forgetting to bring them home.

Out of this lot i would use the inter grips and depending on whether the replacement floor panel you have bought has the inner sill section as well then i would use some of the 'C' clamps as well.

Everything is available on the internet just have a good hunt around for the best prices. The skin pins i have got from being in the Aircraft industry but you can get these from ebay.

Where about in Hastings are you as my sister lives in Edmund road and all of my family lives in the Bexhill / Hastings area. I normally stay down at my mums during the week as i work at Gatwick Airport.

Neil

[stuwhitfield]

I bought some C clamps today. My pannel does have an inner sill.
The intergrips are expensive at £14 for a set of 5 but if you reccomend them then I'll buy a set too.

I live in the old town, but work in Bexhill - small world hey!

[sonikk4]

I bought some C clamps today. My pannel does have an inner sill.
The intergrips are expensive at £14 for a set of 5 but if you reccomend them then I'll buy a set too.

I live in the old town, but work in Bexhill - small world hey!

Definitely a small world, i did struggle fitting the front drivers floor panel especially the butt welded areas but when i do the passenger one i will be using the intergrips. Nothing like making life easy, regarding the price you could make them yourself but like anything its finding the time to do it so paying for them is the easy option.

Neil

[stuwhitfield]

I might have a go at making some-ive got a length of threaded rod in the garage and it'd be more welding practice!