Welding

I have a hood and fender with different trim than comes on a GS. I'm looking for advice on welding holes shut in sheet metal. The welder I just talked to claimed the hood would get all warped. It seems like I've heard of this being done, but without warping. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Steve

 

I don't have any experience on a resto job but if you just tack once and go to another hole and tack you should be fine. if its warm let it cool before you tack again

 

I had mine done by a pro and it turned out great. needed some work though. If you have the right guy doing the job it can be done well

 

I am doing some panel welding on my '64 and how I am doing it is by alternating welds. So what you do is tack weld in one spot then tack across from it and work your way around until all the spots are filled. Stop and let it cool if it gets too hot and be careful not to over heat the area when grind it down as well.

HTH's

 

Thanks, guys, that is what I thought. Seems like body shops weld fenders all the time, why not holes?

Next question- this has to be a TIG or MIG welder, not an acetylene torch, right?

 

You will want to use a gas type of mig welder. The gas-less mig might be too hot.

 

Thanks, Larry! Now I need to find a welder.

 

EASTWOOD
http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html

 

Steve,

I usually use a MIG welder to weld holes shut. This requires some experience to keep from burning through the surrounding metal. Use a piece of copper behind the hole to support the molten metal and help dissipate the heat. Be careful when grinding the weld not to generate too much heat.

 

tig or wire weld it alternatly,, slowly, carefully,,, then lead it.... prime and block sand a zillion times and then paint.....projects like these are not ''quickies'' but can be very rewarding.....

 

Thanks for all the tips, guys. Turns out one of my nephews is a welder. He used his MIG welder (with gas) yesterday and it came out great. Almost NO warping at all. I think I can cover the warping, such as it is, with primer build.

 

You can also use air to cool the welds and definitely alternate and you can do this with zero warping. I'm welding up all the holes in my wildcat! Lots of fun!

 

Use a gas mig. Only do one tack then quickly blow it off with a blow gun. Also if you grind most of the weld down (as close as you can without hitting the original metal) before you weld your next tacks you will warp less because you don't have to work to melt the big goober to get penetration. If its on a bodyline or something its better. If you put a wet paper towel like a 3/8 inch away it will keep heat from soaking into the flats which is what will kill you. Most importantly don't get anxious and go to fast. Small tacks with full cooling before your next one. Forget the TIG, Gas torch, and stick.