9 replies to this topic

[mkw]

Hi,

I'm new to the whole welding scene but i've got myself a welder and keep having a practice on scrap metal etc but im wanting to replace the foot well fairly soon due to water pouring in and the MOT man isn't going to be happy!

Anyways, all i'm after is tips and advice on what to do and what not to do, as this is my first attempt at on the car welding pics would be a help if anyone has any at all?

Cheers!

[$way]

on all of the edges you are going to weld on both pieces of metal, both sides as well, spray zinc primer on it once it been cleaned to bare metal. it doesnt burn off and will protect the bare metal, it also improves conductivity so welding will be better

[dklawson]

Just a word of clarification about the primer.... Check with your local paint suppliers. They'll probably have a zinc looking product called "weld-thru" primer which is specifically designed to protect the otherwise stripped area to be welded. The zinc rich regular paints in DIY home centers won't necessarily perform well (and may adversely affect) welding.

As for how to weld in the patch/panel, I have a few quick pointers. Only remove the necessary amount of material from the floor. Take out the rot but leave as much sound metal as possible... leaving a "regular" shaped opening with rounded corners. After trimming the hole(s) in the floor fit cardboard over the opening and form/bend and mark it as necessary to conform to the floor and opening. Use this cardboard as a template and trim your patch panel slightly larger so it can be butt welded to the prepared opening in the floor. Tack weld the panel in place DO NOT run one continuous seam. After you've tacked the panel in several places, make short welds of perhaps 20-25mm, then stop and allow the panel to cool. Move to the other side (diagonally) from your last weld and make another 25mm bead. Eventually you'll stitch the whole thing in place but doing the short welds and allowing them to cool will minimize warping.

EDIT: OOPS, I meant to say "lap" weld the patches, not butt weld. It's much easier to rest one panel over the other than to cut and fit them for butt welding.

Edited by dklawson, 01 February 2007 - 06:41 PM.

[mkw]

That's great, I was worried about warping the panel but if its as simple as that to minimise it i'll give it a go and just take my time. The drivers side will need completely replacing as it is cracked throughout, not rusted but the passenger just has a few patches of rust so i can patch that up.

[ginigwunkle]

i dunno......amature!

all you need is my dad!

LOL!!!

[mkw]

I don't have your dad though! lol. plus its no fun if your dad does it all!

[ginigwunkle]

no, but a lot safer!

[mkw]

we'll see.....

[ginigwunkle]

whens your mot?
ive only got a month left to sort my prob!

[mkw]

I'm not sure, couple of months i think! You've got a lot of welding to do before then!