5 replies to this topic

[elliot341]

Hi guys,

I'm after a bit of assistance, I have access to a hole punch to prep some panels on my car prior to welding and could just do with clearing up which panel is best to have the holes in and which to weld to. If anyone could advise on the following panels that'd be great;

- Sills - drill holes in door step seam and weld from top?, 

- wings to inner wing - drill holes in wing and weld from above?

- wings to a panel - drill holes in wing seam and weld from above?

- wings to front panel - drill holes in wing seam and weld downwards, or drill holes in front panel and weld upside down?

- scuttle corners - drill holes in seams to A post, bulkhead and scuttle close out panel?

- scuttle close out - drill holes to inner wings?

- sills - drill holes on lower edge to inner sill (these are not oversills by the way)

 

What sort of spacing should I do? about 1 inch? 

 

Thanks guys

[sonikk4]

Hole spacing of an inch is good. Now think about how you are going to get access to the area you are going to weld. This is what makes the decision on where to punch the holes.

If the car is on a spit then you can make it as comfortable as possible, however if it's on axle stands then you choice is limited so in the of case things like upper sill lip to doorstep I would put the holes in the step and lower flange of the quarter panel. Bottom of the sill punch the holes in the outer sill itself.

The wing I normally drill or punch holes in the wing itself to weld to the inner wing and front panel. The holes where you attach the wing to the front panel lip are awkward to do but you can get to them.

Wing to A panel again the same process here holes in the wing flange.

The scuttle and close outs as you have mentioned.

Now the hole size in the punch is only 5/32nd so make sure you are a high power setting. I normally drill my using either 3/16th or 1/4 holes depending on where I am welding.

To stop heat build up and distortion on the lower section of the quarter panel when you weld there I use Frosts Cold Front to absorb the heat. No distortion that way. You can cool each plug weld in turn with a damp cloth.

[kezzkitkat]

Just think logical really there is know right/wrong way of which way the plugs go and etc aslong as the plug weld is doing its job.
Spacing should be fine

[minidaves]

Welding down is easier than welding up

[Swift_General]

To add to all of the above:

If it otherwise makes no difference and I am welding old metal to new I drill the hole on the old. I find blow through less likely this was as the new metal tends to be a bit more resilient.

Also if your welding an external panel to and internal one (e.g. bottom of seat back to boot floor) then I would drill a hole in the internal panel. That way if there are any pin holes left then they will hopefully not be on the external panel.

[elliot341]

cheers guys!