22 replies to this topic

[Scott.Tamson]

My dad was talking to a bodyshop bloke at his work and the guy sayd the best way to put wings on is to plug weld them.....what do you guys think ?

Cheers
Scott

[panelbeaterpeter]

Yes you should plug or spot weld the wings along the top where it meets the side of the bonnet, where it joins the front panel under the light, and where it meets the A panel.

[stickycreambun]

thats like spot welding, without the spot welder is it not? or as close as anyway?

[Jupitus]

thats like spot welding, without the spot welder is it not? or as close as anyway?

Yes - it is where you drill a hole in the top panel and weld through that onto the lower metal to ensure a good joint...

[stickycreambun]

ok thanks, just building up the knowledge for when I get myself a welder in a few months.

[Scott.Tamson]

Tah Much

Peter, how far apart should the holes be drilled apart on the wings ? 1" apart ? and use plent of sealer stuff ?

Cheers
Scott

[panelbeaterpeter]

I guess I do them about 2 inches apart down the side of the top, getting closer together in the last 4 inches or so at the front of the wing. Make sure both surfaces to be welded on the top of the inner wing and the underside of the wing edge are coated with weld through zinc primer. After welding you can seal the seam, or not, depending on how original you want it. I believe they were never sealed new. I always wipe sealer in the seam underneath, and along the panel seam along the top of the wing after welding and priming, just to stop water creeping in the join. Also about 2 inches apart down the A panel flange, and about 1 inch apart around the inside of the front panel under the light, again sealing inside and out after priming. Be very careful that you seal up the gap completely, if there is a slight gap it will let in water which can become trapped and cause more damage than with no sealer at all.

Edited by panelbeaterpeter, 20 January 2008 - 08:05 PM.

[midridge2]

sorry again pete but they were sealer from the factory, around the scuttle,down the wing and around the join to the front panel but none down the join with the apex panel.
how do i know? i worked on them replacing panels from 1969 onwards.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Fair enough! I have never noticed any when taking them apart. When you say around the scuttle, do you mean where it meets the top of the wing? Also what years? because it definitely wasn't used in 1989, the most recent mini I worked on, which was original and definitely didn't have any sealer.
I'm not trying to start an argument, I'm just interested so I can get my facts straight.

Pete

[midridge2]

hi pete, they were sealed from the start 1959 onwards, done a couple of 1992 minis a few month ago and they were sealed and had original wings on.
yes i do mean were the wing joins the scuttle panel.
im not saying they are all sealed but all the ones i have done over the years have.

[panelbeaterpeter]

Okay, thanks for the info! I'll keep an eye out in the future.

[Scott.Tamson]

Cheers Peter

Scott

[jcws_mini]

I guess I do them about 2 inches apart down the side of the top, getting closer together in the last 4 inches or so at the front of the wing. Make sure both surfaces to be welded on the top of the inner wing and the underside of the wing edge are coated with weld through zinc primer. After welding you can seal the seam, or not, depending on how original you want it. I believe they were never sealed new. I always wipe sealer in the seam underneath, and along the panel seam along the top of the wing after welding and priming, just to stop water creeping in the join. Also about 2 inches apart down the A panel flange, and about 1 inch apart around the inside of the front panel under the light, again sealing inside and out after priming. Be very careful that you seal up the gap completely, if there is a slight gap it will let in water which can become trapped and cause more damage than with no sealer at all.

Hi was reading this thread as I am contemplating buying a welder and welding a new L/H wing to my mini as it needs sorting out! The information you have given so far is good and most straight forward Ive found so far. Is the use of plug welds sufficient for MOT etc? is it possible or is it of any gain to seam weld the panel? I am a complete welding newbie so would appreciate any info and tips!

[mike49]

plug welding is the best similar way to how they were welded as factory standard unless you can get a spot welder... seam welding long lines will distort the wing and isnt as strong really. also, the wing has a very handy lip anyways so perfect for plugs!
remember not to weld the wing to the scuttle area though

[midridge2]

ive welded hundreds of mini wings on and some i have seam welded some plug welded and some spot welded on, it all depends on the condition of the inner wing flange.
ive never had a wing distort using mig or oxy/cetty when seam welding, what experiance do you base that on???
seam welding is just as strong as plug welding, depending on how good a welder you think you are, the trouble with novice welding is they look good but have not penetrated.





this is my opinion and will differ from others.