Quarter sailpanel seams. Lead filler or ???

[GregWeld]

Brass and "bondo" don't mix.... never bondo (body filler) over a brazed area.

We quit doing that in the late 60's.

I totally disagree with any statement that the MIG weld would be somehow inferior to the TIG weld regarding shrinkage or showing seams. TIG wire is softer and is easier to control the heat on a panel - but it's not superior or inferior to a good MIG weld.

What you might be seeing is where the MIG weld is harder to grind and they've ground down the base metal too thin around the weld. The thinned metal may expand at a different rate than the thicker base metal around it. That is just bad workmanship -- but not the WELD itself. TIG is far easier to metal work... and done properly warps the panel LESS (it will be warped)... and grinds easier. Both take skill to do properly.

[elitecustombody]

Originally Posted by GregWeld

Brass and "bondo" don't mix.... never bondo (body filler) over a brazed area.

We quit doing that in the late 60's.

I totally disagree with any statement that the MIG weld would be somehow inferior to the TIG weld regarding shrinkage or showing seams. TIG wire is softer and is easier to control the heat on a panel - but it's not superior or inferior to a good MIG weld.

What you might be seeing is where the MIG weld is harder to grind and they've ground down the base metal too thin around the weld. The thinned metal may expand at a different rate than the thicker base metal around it. That is just bad workmanship -- but not the WELD itself. TIG is far easier to metal work... and done properly warps the panel LESS (it will be warped)... and grinds easier. Both take skill to do properly.

Greg, thanks for your input. I agree with you, properly finished MIG weld shouldn't be visible in paint.TIG weld is just easier to smooth down.