9 replies to this topic

[antcole]

Hello folks, im just about to put the a-panels on my mk3.
Should i spot weld on the upright part where it meets the pillar or will a nice bead of sealer be ok before folding the lip round?
Im going to spot weld the foot and run a weld along the top 1" edge.

Is it a loaded area that requires a weld or is it not really necessary?

Any help is appreciated.

[Minidarren83]

Hello folks, im just about to put the a-panels on my mk3.
Should i spot weld on the upright part where it meets the pillar or will a nice bead of sealer be ok before folding the lip round?
Im going to spot weld the foot and run a weld along the top 1" edge.

Is it a loaded area that requires a weld or is it not really necessary?

Any help is appreciated.

Hi a picture would be good as I don't quite understand from the description

[alex-95]

do you mean when you've bent the panel around, spot weld it on the lip it is bent around?

[antcole]

Hello mate, a pic might be too difficult as im using ny mobile at the mo.
The bit im referring to is the along the length of the upright part of the a-panel, the part thats folded round after its in place.
The original had three spot welds equally spaced when i cut it off but its going to be difficult to get the jaws of the spot welder in that small gap, so the inly option is to plug weld.... which id rather not do if its not really needed.
Plug welds throw too much heat in and would distort the lovely curve of the panel.

[antcole]

do you mean when you've bent the panel around, spot weld it on the lip it is bent around?

yeah, sort of. Thats the area im looking at

[alex-95]

I think I am going to do that, I will be plug welding, it shouldn't warp, You can always have a damp rag to cool it. If you use a spot welder it will create an indent, where plug welds can be ground flat.

[antcole]

I think I am going to do that, I will be plug welding, it shouldn't warp, You can always have a damp rag to cool it. If you use a spot welder it will create an indent, where plug welds can be ground flat.

Ah ok, so those spot welds are necessary.
I just figured it would get enough strength with just the lip folded round and with a bead of a good quality bond seal.

[sonikk4]

Having the spot welds / plug welds will help to prevent any movement so yes they are needed. I know the A panel is welded at the top and bottom but you will get a degree of flex there.

 

And like said plug weld distortion can be kept to a minimum using either a damp rag or Frosts cold front. 

[nordicmini]

I always weld the  fold round bit with a mig .To the bit it folds round (back side of A panel) 

[antcole]

Thanks a lot guys, tiz all done now.
Two plug welds plus top and bottom welds and a bead of wurth bond seal along the inner edge before i folded it round.
Looks ok.... now for the other side.... :-D