Thats a good thread, i read that one too. It's a perfect example of a parts car being braught back to life. i had a 81 in just as bad of shape (Guy's might have been worse) and i just used it for parts. I don't have the knowledge for something like that, but i will lol.

 

Ok, so I figured it was high time that things started moving forwards on the car again. So I thought I would give it a go and figure out how to weld in my own patch panel. Anyhow, after taking some masking tape and taping off the area on the floor I wanted to cover up, I doubled it up, and took it off and put it on the lexus fender that I had for some scrap steel. I took a grinder with a cut off wheel and cut out the floor on the inside of the tape line, then cut on the outside of the tape on the fender. I then screwed the panel to the floor, not worrying about the contour. I "welded" most of the panel to the floor, then beat the !#$#%@ out of the bend area until it was close, I then welded what I could there and took the hammer and let it have it again, then I was able to finish welding it. I was able to get some good welds on there, but my father in law is right, that welder SUCKS. Definitely not up to task for welding the body panels on. At least I got the floor panel in and I can finish POR15ing the top and bottom, and start on the soundproofing and wiring.



I need to grind a bit more, but it is close enough and really about as good as can be done with that welder. The wire feed is inconsistent, and it frequently binds up and gets all screwed up inside the compartment as it goes into the snake. Plus I am still trying to use the arc welding hood. I think I am going to save up for my own setup, there is so much stuff I'd like to weld together and waiting sucks. No way I'll pay someone to do it, I'll just have to figure it out on my own.

 

That's the spirit! Always worth a try, and you wont hurt anything if it didn't work. Not like welding the body panels, where what you do might show. Looks strong, and that's what really counts.

 

If you've got a harbor freight near you, they got cheap (affordable) auto-darkening hoods, about $49, I've got one and I love it. That'll make your pos welder easier to tolerate. I say that , Cuz I got a POS welder, and not taking off my hood between bad welds helps.
Obviously you don't want to do bodywork with that welder, but if you can get the stuff nobody sees done with it then use that to learn with. Plus, you'll have a good welding hood when you get a welder that works the way you want it to. Just my .02

 

They are also on sale right now for $34!

 

Any news?

 

Yeah Steve were yah been?

 

I suppose I've been slackin', summer activity is killing me. I've got some epoxy stuff to put in the welds, I guess you brush it in and it seals any imperfections. And the welds are definitely imperfect so it needs it. After that I need to POR15 the rest of it and start trying to figure out what to use for sound deadener. I guess the guy could not get me the motor last month, and he says that he will next week. Having 3 kids in the summer is killing my garage time.

 

LOL I have seen you post from time to time. I thought you were enjoying summer. It been hot as hell in this part of the country. Huh?

 

i hear ya about the kids lol, i have 4 and they are enjoying the summer more than i am, but i enjoy seeing a smile on their faces. I think i seen my 80 a couple times this summer.