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#1
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OK guys, was wondering your opinion on this, as I've seen it done instructionally and by people on the web both ways.
My car is not going to be a show car--it's a driver. I will keep it as nice as I can, and original as I can. I am not undergoing a frame off restoration. I am fixing what I can when I can on it as a driver. First off, I have a front driver's floor pan to patch. It's incredible I have to replace it, as the rest of the floor pans in the car look as if they're day 1 from the factory, as does the rubber mat. I guess water/salt from the driver's boots would get trapped under there each winter and it took it's toll. That's the only explanation as there's no leaks anywhere. So, question is, should I lap weld the patch or butt weld it? I know I'd like it if it were butt welded and then ground down. However, I'm always worried about getting a close enough fit on the existing pan to the replacement patch. Plus my access to the underside of the car won't be incredible. I don't have a lift.... If there any downside to the lap weld? Is it frowned upon? thanks. |
#2
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I would butt weld it. Once you start fitting the metal you will find it is not that hard to line up.
I would weld the top and not grind down the weld. Once you get the time and capabilities you can always go back and weld in the bottom side. I think you will regret it later..that is if you plan on keeping the car and not just flipping it. |
#3
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"I would butt weld it. Once you start fitting the metal you will find it is not that hard to line up."
x2 [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img] Many years ago when I restored my wife's 69 Impala convertible, I needed to replace 3 out of the 4 floor pan sections. My brother-in-law butt welded them in in my garage using a 110V MIG welder and they turned out great.
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Bill Pritchard 73 Camaro RS Z28, L82, M20, C60 |
#4
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Thanks guys. OK, butt welding it is. Just need to get thin enough cutoff wheels so as to not create too big of a gap between new and old.
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#5
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When you have access to the other side of the weld, it can help to back up the butt joint with a piece of copper. The copper sinks some of the heat to prevent blowout.
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#6
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Good tip. Thanks.
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#7
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What size wire do you have in the gun? I would suggest 0.23
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#8
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Yep, I have good ol' 0.23 in the gun Ken.
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