Welding Tips

[Andymac]

Hi all,

I have recently purchased a 67 convertible, which is in need of some rust repairs, particularly the doors, floors and quarter panels. Can any one advise the best type of welder to use? I can't weld but I am keen to learn!!!

Also, can anyone recommend a local parts supplier for the sheetmetal bits, I am in NSW.

Thanks

[dazza]

Hi Andy,

I'm certainly not an expert, but I have used several types of welders in my repairs over the years.

"Stick" welders are great for thicker steel like chassis members and anything around 2mm plus, but will blow apart thin materials like floor pans etc very easily.

The small gas-less migs are good on thin material but hard to keep a good arc going and easy to end up with a messy weld.

The normal gas mig welders are the way to go with the thin floor materails but i'd check out hire prices for a weekend rather than splurging to buy one, if you can get all the steel prepared first (the hard part) should be able to weld it all in place over one weekend.

When you are buying your steel i'd get zincalume, this has a layer of protection over the steel for areas that are concealed, but make sure you grind any steel areas you need to weld.

If you havn't already you may want to check the parts suppliers, a lot of rust repair sections are readily available for areas that commonly rust.

Good luck! :(

Dazza

[Andymac]

Hi Dazza,

Thanks for your help. I lashed out and bought a little 120 Minimig. I live on a bit of land, so having a welder is always going to come in handy!

The bloke at the shop where I bought it gave me a few lessons so I'm keen to get cracking.

Can you recommend any of the various parts suppliers as to the quality of the replacement parts, pricing etc.

I am in NSW, Port Macquarie area.

Thanks again

[nassi]

Hi Andymac, I have always found Mark Dixon at Capital Classics http://www.capitalclassics.biz/, in Canberra to be very good. Good range competative prics and no BS.

[Andymac]

Thanks again Nassi, I'll check them out.