4 replies to this topic

[chris1989]

Hi all, newbie here, well certainly to mini repairs!

 

What is the general consensus about refitting used panel?

 

To clarify, when i say used, i don't mean i am planning on purchasing a number of used panels but for example, if need to remove a perfectly solid wing to get to the inner wing rear edge/ a post to replace that, can the wing be saved/ reused? Will drilling out the spot welds and where the wing meets the scuttle mean that the wing will be difficult to save?

 

Thanks in advance

 

Chris

[sonikk4]

Hi,

So if you can remove a perfectly rust free panel then yes re use it. However trying to get to some of the spot welds on a wing will prove to be problematic. Not insurmountable if you have the right sort of tooling.

[chris1989]

Thanks. What sort of equipment are you referring to?

[sonikk4]

Have you got a decent compressor?? If so for the awkward spaces use a high speed right angled or straight die grinder with either a carbide ball burr or a conical burr.

No compressor then you will need a Dremmel or finger belt sander.

Drilling out spot welds you can get to easily for me personally i use a 1/4” Cobalt drill and pistol windy ( I have a good compressor) and a thin stainless steel splitting blade to pop the joint. I have tried spot weld drill bits and although they work well to start with can blunt them very quickly. Using the cobalt drill I do not drill all the way through, it removes enough of the weld for me to split the joint. I have used this technique for years and it works well for me.

[chris1989]

Thanks for the detailed reply. I had to Google pistol windy but I had guessed it was a type of air tool/ drill. Unfortunately I will have to stick with corded drill since my little 24ltr compressor won't be up to the task. Re the splitting tool, I'm guessing the usual panel seam chisels. My set are made of chrome vanadium but should last a little while. I've been trying to find a video of someone separating the seam between wing and scuttle but any more info would be greatly appreciated. I'm wondering if I can drill from inside the wind area. Probably too little space.