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shawnspeed3
02-22-2008 18:02:16
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Re: welding panels in reply to MSS3020, 02-21-2008 13:18:32
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Having done exactly what you are asking, the ansewer would be yes, but would I recomend it ....no. You would have to be a fairly proficent welder ,with a high quality machine,and some 1/16th electrodes,6013 would be preferred. Gas O/A welding with a small tip is the preferred method for older sheetmetal,plenty of tacks (1/2" to 3/4 " spacing) and weld the panel in by connecting the tack welds. pick a start point , weld between 2 tacks , skip 3 or 4,weld between 2 more skip 3or 4 repeat to the end of the panel. then let everyting cool down,hammer and dolly the panel back to shape , and repeat starting at the first stitch weld to the next tack weld, and on down the seam in the same order as the first time, repeating the straitning/cooling process til the pannel is fully welded. Gas welding works best because it leaves the metal in a annealed state that is easy to shape.Arc welds are harder and more brittle in the heat effected zone, and often crack when forming. Mig and tig welding are preferred on modern auto body repair because their high strength steel weakens with gas welding,so most manufactures now only reccomend mig welding for panel replacement. you may also want to check the eastwood companys website as they have a one sided spot welder attachment for a stick welder that might be better than stick welding the whole panel...in any case , practice on some thin stock before you commit to the stick ,or whatever process you decide to use, and make sure you are comfortable welding in several positions on that thickness material, car bodys are rarely flat on the bench....as far as brazing, it is also a good alternative, but as above plenty of tacks then stitch. good luck Shawn
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