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Hot Rods sheet metal welding for autobody

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by old_chevy, Jun 30, 2020.

  1. mike matters
    Joined: May 1, 2015
    Posts: 76

    mike matters

  2. b-body-bob
    Joined: Apr 23, 2011
    Posts: 555

    b-body-bob
    Member

    Watch the whole video.
     
  3. brsturges
    Joined: Oct 22, 2008
    Posts: 931

    brsturges
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Miami, FL

    That's just to hold it in place for the final fit. The finished weld is a butt weld. A clever idea.
     
    b-body-bob likes this.
  4. b-body-bob
    Joined: Apr 23, 2011
    Posts: 555

    b-body-bob
    Member

    I saw this concept years ago in Mopar Muscle but they didn't do the 45* angle, just recommended a thin blade.

    In that article they cleco'ed a quarter skin on, then cut between the clecos, split the outside above and the inside below, and peeled the unused parts out of the way.
     
    brsturges likes this.
  5. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

  6. hemihotrod66
    Joined: May 5, 2019
    Posts: 968

    hemihotrod66
    Member

    I heard it was taken off the market years back because it wasn't good for structural repairs like frame members on unibody cars....Just something I heard don't know it to be fact....
     
  7. we were told not to use it according to manufacture guidelines several years ago.
     
    hemihotrod66 likes this.
  8. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 13,173

    Budget36
    Member

  9. Fortunateson
    Joined: Apr 30, 2012
    Posts: 5,331

    Fortunateson
    Member

    Yep, there are a lot of good, straightforward tips at Fitzees Fabrication on YouTube.
     
    missysdad1 likes this.
  10. 49ratfink
    Joined: Feb 8, 2004
    Posts: 18,828

    49ratfink
    Member
    from California

    I bought some of that wire and didn't really see any difference. never went back.

    as for gap or no gap... I'd say I'm a gap guy. the size of the wire give or take when I can get it that tight.
     
  11. 49ratfink
    Joined: Feb 8, 2004
    Posts: 18,828

    49ratfink
    Member
    from California

    I've done the overlap like the gas door video before but did not think of the 45 degree angle part.... I did however use a thinner 3" cut off wheel for my air powered grinder.

    I also use my air grinder and two thin cut off wheels stacked to grind my welds. smaller, lighter and more control than a electric grinder.
     
    DIYGUY likes this.
  12. bill gruendeman
    Joined: Jun 18, 2019
    Posts: 807

    bill gruendeman
    Member

    DB6C6C41-57AD-41CD-AC50-DCC856B796C9.png No gap for me. I use a die grinder with a Burr bit (think large dentist drill) real ez to control on the bead and no danger as the cut off wheel episodes. The only problem is you will find little bits of metal over you and the garage.
     
  13. 49ratfink
    Joined: Feb 8, 2004
    Posts: 18,828

    49ratfink
    Member
    from California

    I've never heard of a cut off wheel episodeo_O
     
  14. old_chevy
    Joined: May 28, 2012
    Posts: 84

    old_chevy
    Member
    from USA

    he makes it look so easy in the video
     
  15. mickeyc
    Joined: Jul 8, 2008
    Posts: 1,363

    mickeyc
    Member

    Those burring bits cut fast and are effective.
    However if the operator of the tool lets the
    bit enter a hole or point where it can be in a pinch there can be problems. When using a burr on sheet metal it can bind in a hole and
    gyrate from side to side violently! I have have a few incidents where one got away from my control and made a small hole an inch wide almost instantly. They can destroy a panel before one can let off the tool trigger. Now I am much more aware and cautious in use of them.
     
  16. Budget36
    Joined: Nov 29, 2014
    Posts: 13,173

    Budget36
    Member


    You can also get a box of stones in various configurations from HF, used to be about 10 bucks. They are a lot easier to control than the burrs are.
     
  17. mickeyc
    Joined: Jul 8, 2008
    Posts: 1,363

    mickeyc
    Member

    I like the burrs alright. They cut quickly and
    can produce a nice smooth finish. I have a nice assortment of them, even a few that are
    5/8 " in diameter. Very useful, but require diligence during use. I have a few stones as
    well, but find the stones wear faster than whatever I am trying to profile.
     
  18. fresh hops
    Joined: Oct 19, 2019
    Posts: 67

    fresh hops

  19. 1971BB427
    Joined: Mar 6, 2010
    Posts: 8,717

    1971BB427
    Member
    from Oregon

    Whatever you weld with, and whatever gap you use, be sure when grinding the welds to use very coarse grit, and something you can control the accuracy of your grinding. I like my small grinder with 3" disc as it gives me pinpoint accuracy to ensure I'm only grinding the weld, and nothing else.
     
    missysdad1 likes this.
  20. missysdad1
    Joined: Dec 9, 2008
    Posts: 3,305

    missysdad1
    Member

    These videos contain a wealth of information including the 45-degree method of butt welding. Fitzee is a very basic guy who uses very few tools but who relies heavily on one of the most basic bodywork skills: patience. You will learn more from him than from anybody else I've had the pleasure of watching on YouTube. I have learned and used his techniques on my projects to great advantage. I'm not a professional so I have the luxury of going slowly and carefully. Fitzee also shows how to fabricate patch panels and repair panels where none are available commercially. If you've not seen his videos, do so. They are great!
     
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  21. mike matters
    Joined: May 1, 2015
    Posts: 76

    mike matters

    b-body-bob and DIYGUY like this.
  22. b-body-bob
    Joined: Apr 23, 2011
    Posts: 555

    b-body-bob
    Member

    I thought the same thing at first, especially since the link was to a Bing search page. I stopped the video and looked to be sure the right one was running, then restarted and realized my mistake.
     
  23. BamaMav
    Joined: Jun 19, 2011
    Posts: 6,709

    BamaMav
    Member
    from Berry, AL

  24. old_chevy
    Joined: May 28, 2012
    Posts: 84

    old_chevy
    Member
    from USA

    wow this thread has been so helpful with some great tips. thank you everyone

    Where I have the large gaps for the butt weld is on the floor pan. Since I can reach underneath I'm going to use some copper behind the weld. Is it ok to hold the copper backing when mig welding or would that give me a shock? Also when I use the copper backing to plug a whole or gap should I start the weld on an edge of the sheet metal or in the middle of the hole on the copper?
     
  25. 1946caddy
    Joined: Dec 18, 2013
    Posts: 2,059

    1946caddy
    Member
    from washington

    The weld will not stick to the copper so you would start your weld on the sheet metal. If you have a good ground on the metal you're welding, you won't get shocked unless your gloves are wet and your holding onto the metal. The problem with holding the copper while welding is that it will get hot in a hurry. You can use something like this made with a strip of copper, copper nail and part of a broom handle. WP_20180425_16_14_44_Pro.jpg WP_20180425_16_14_55_Pro.jpg
     
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  26. b-body-bob
    Joined: Apr 23, 2011
    Posts: 555

    b-body-bob
    Member

    I bought a couple of different types of this.[​IMG]
    They're not cheap but I found them to be worth it. Search for "VIM welding tools"
    I have also been known to beat a piece of copper pipe flat and clamp it in place.
    I can't weld with one hand so the hand held backing tools don't really help me.
     
  27. fresh hops
    Joined: Oct 19, 2019
    Posts: 67

    fresh hops

    Brass and aluminum will work the same as copper
     
  28. ebfabman
    Joined: Mar 10, 2009
    Posts: 499

    ebfabman

    Here's a few...
     
  29. ebfabman
    Joined: Mar 10, 2009
    Posts: 499

    ebfabman

    Here is one that really doesn't show grinding but it shows an example of what can be done when you take time and work carefully. All butt welded.

     

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