9 replies to this topic

[davetindall104]

can anyone talk me through spot welding a wing on?

as i have never tackled this task and need help as im intending on doing this at the weekend!

thanks

[Ethel]

Have you got a spot welder?

[davetindall104]

hiring one from hss at the weekend! £35, which i didnt think was too bad!

but.. im a novice!

[Ethel]

Spot welding is easy, might struggle a little to fit a replacement wing totally with one though.

Make sure the metal is totally clean where you are going to weld it, weld through primer is good stuff. You can follow the other wing to get an idea of where to place the welds, though you should have a fair idea from removing the old one. I'd start in the corner by the bonnet, under the headlight, and use lots of clamps to get the fit right before you make things permanent.

Get some similar thickness steel (the old wing) so you can practise and set the timer first too. Bear in mind the welder's performance will drop off when it gets warm so give it a rest if needs be.

A spot welder is a chunky bit of kit so make sure you've stripped the car back enough to get it in - the seams under the wing will be most fun

Edited by Ethel, 20 May 2008 - 10:00 AM.

[DaveRob]

The HSS spot welder is a 32A supply jobbie.... bit industrial.... Im guessing it comes with a 32A industrial type plug on the heavy supply cable.... not something you might have at home.... check before you spend is all im suggesting.... Just a thought

Rob

[davetindall104]

do you think it'll be too heavy duty for the wing?

should i plug weld instead do you think?

if so its a similar process except you drill holes and the weld the hole up which joins the 2 surfaces together right?

and this would be easier in the tight bits too?

thanks

[Ethel]

If you have a Mig I'd plug weld. Spots would be neater and stronger but not a huge difference. Migs allow you to fill, which is often useful with less than pristine bodywork.

[davetindall104]

ok ill do that!

sorry... just to clarify then, ill drill holes in the new wing but not the other bits, clamp it up into place, then
mig weld through the holes and that will be that? obviously making sure theres no paint etc. in the way?

thanks for your help everyone!

[Ethel]

That's the idea,

you can get hole punching gizmos and shrouds for your torch to make things easier. If you drill, do it from the inside face of the seam and you'll have less hassle off the burr stopping the panels from seating flush.

[davetindall104]

brill! thanks a lot!