sheet metal replacment?

[jcal87]

I just got a Hobart 115v mig welder and I'm wondering when you guys replace a quarter or a panel do you weld the whole thing or do you just tack it with the mig and tig the rest?

[dhutton]

Most people plug weld it with a MIG to reproduce the look of the factory spot welds. I don't think I have seen very many factory panels installed with a TIG.

Plug welds are done by drilling or punching a series of holes in one panel and then welding over the hole to attach it to the other panel. Looks like a factory spot weld when done properly.

Don

[jcal87]

what about on a quarter panel replacement do you just spot weld until its a complete weld?

[ItDoRun]

Originally Posted by jcal87

what about on a quarter panel replacement do you just spot weld until its a complete weld?

Are you patching the quarter or replacing with a full repro quarter panel? That makes a difference. If you are patching then, yes, spot weld the seam b/t the two panels every 3 inches, or so, and just keep working the seam until it's fully welded. Take your time and make sure you keep the heat down as much as you can.

Why don't you post some pictures of the areas you're talking about.

[dhutton]

Originally Posted by jcal87

what about on a quarter panel replacement do you just spot weld until its a complete weld?

Are you installing factory style full quarters or skins? If it's skins you will probably want to butt weld them. Here is a good illustration:

http://www.firebirdtransamparts.com/...eplacement.htm

If it's full quarters then plug welds are pretty much all you need.

If you haven't purchased them yet I recommend you go with full quarters.

Don

[jcal87]

well i havent started it yet. but the only part that needs to be replaced is from the fender line down. not the full quarter so it will prolly just be a skin. the reason im doing this is because i guess it was in a wreck and when someone tried to repair it they didnt get the flare right over the tire so i guess they misshaped it with bondo so i just wanna replace it. i hope this makes sense

[ItDoRun]

What side? Passenger or driver side? I may have something you can use.

[jcal87]

drivers side for now...

[ItDoRun]

Nevermind then. I have a passenger side full quarter that I bought to patch my sail panel area. It's complete less the sail panel area and I still have the rest of the panel sitting in my shop attic.

[jcal87]

yeah passenger side will be later down the road