Welding Body Panels-Any Tips ?

**arandall** · 01-10-2010, 09:52 AM

Cord:
You probably already know this, but don't do a long continuous bead after you have it tacked in place. It builds up too much heat and warps the metal. Take your time and just do short beads - about 1" or less, alternating locations (start - middle - end) so that the panel heats up evenly.
Hope that helps.

Art R.

**bradler451** · 01-11-2010, 11:07 AM

I used to have a 1978 chevy c10 it's alot of work to get rid of rust but the final product when it's done is worth it stick to the project I would like to see how it turns out

**itsmecord** · 01-12-2010, 08:02 PM

Thanx for the tip/encouragement. I have not worked on the car in a while now sadly....However I did start work (FINALLY !) at a restoration shop as a body man so I will now learn more,and have more/better tools to work with !!! And,i dont mind having a steady paycheck. It makes me feel like a little less of a failure as a father....Working on random peoples cars for $50 here and there was really stressful !

**arandall** · 01-13-2010, 12:19 AM

Cord:
Good luck in your new job.

Art R.

**KHK** · 01-13-2010, 08:52 AM

Congrats, and good luck on your new job!!!!!!!!!!!

**bradler451** · 01-14-2010, 10:30 AM

Congrats man!!!!

**Uncle Ed** · 01-14-2010, 11:21 AM

Now you can work on lots of cars and get paid randomly!

Good luck with the new job and don't tell them you have tools or you'll get asked to take work home with you!

**Kiwimike** · 02-16-2010, 09:25 PM

If you are using a Mig, make sure all the metal is completely bare with no rust. Short welds are the ticket. Turn your polarity around to +ground and this will take the heat out of the metal, if your welder will let you do this.
Small spot welds through drilled or punched holes are good too.

**barracuda** · 03-18-2010, 09:45 PM

itsmecord if you do not have a flange tool already invest in one (vise-grip style) dose just fine unless you plan on doing lots&lots of panals than go pneumatic. You will want to flange your vehical panal so your new sheet metal lays on flnged area.when welding suggest mig,stitch welding is best start about every inch to inch&half apart along complete seam than start over again til you completely weld seam let cool between passes this way you will have little or no warpage.

**barracuda** · 03-18-2010, 09:51 PM

itsmecord if you do not have a flange tool already invest in one (vise-grip style) dose just fine unless you plan on doing lots&lots of panals than go pneumatic. You will want to flange your vehical panal so your new sheet metal lays on flnged area.when welding suggest mig,stitch welding is best start about every inch to inch&half apart along complete seam than start over again til you completely weld seam let cool between passes this way you will have little or no warpage.