Actually if you are going to remove parts from a car for the purpose of
welding them on another car, and accurate restoration is what you want, go
to a automotive paint store and buy a spot weld remover, and a few spare
blades. You then center punch the spotweld, then "drill" it out. this leaves
the parent metal intact. Just use a regualr drill bit to take the metal from
the donor car. Then just grind the little "nipples" from the car, use clecos
to align the new metal, then use a MIG wire feed welder to plug fuse the new
stuff to the old. For a battery box, or spare tire well, this is the way to
go. Then grind the welds good enough, and no one will ever know the part was
not original! No kidding. Of course, if you leave the lumps, or grind
inadequately, the job will be discovered, but it will be covered by the
carpet, verdad? If you have a fundemental understanding of welding
principles, MIG welding is about the easiest, and can be "mastered" in a
weekend. Lou
----- Original Message -----
From: <110156.3206@compuserve.com>
To: "Alpine list members" <alpines@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, May 01, 2002 10:08 AM
Subject: Sheet Metal gauge
> Hi there.
> I'm going to be cutting parts from the chassis of our parts car--like the
> battery
> compartment and spare tire well (they're in good shape somehow). Rather
> than use a torch, I want to do it the clean way with an air-powered metal
> shear.
>
> What gauge is the steel used in these cars? (It's a Series 5)
> I want to make sure I get a cutter that's adequate. Also I need to get a
> punch
> for doing plug welding on the body work.
>
> Another question for the experienced welders out there:
>
> I've got a fair amount of oxy-acetylene experience from the marine repair
> shop
> I used to have. I would say I have a "medium" skill level. I never had
or
> used an
> arc welder. I have read that MIG welding is the way to go for the average
> guy
> who is doing a restoration. Also, I've been told that if I can gas weld
> properly
> then it would be easy to learn arc welding. My oxy-acetylene torches and
> all
> the related equipment went with the business when I sold it.
>
> With this stuff in mind, would you guys recommend that I get another torch
> set
> and do gas welding, or get a MIG welder and start arc welding?
>
> Hey thanks
> Carl
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