Tom,
yes, during the welding process, the metal will get heated, which in turn, will
effect the rust process to some degree.
Even when new panels are installed, some of them need to be welded in. Any
repair
on a vehicle is a compromise, because it's just a repair. The vehicle will never
be in "new" condition again.
A welded repair section should not be overlapped, it should be butt welded. The
exception to this would be a flange weld, where zinc dust paint should be
applied
first, and then spot welded or plug welded [MIG]. This insures better rust
proofing on the inside of the panel. The outside weld should be sandblasted
before finishing with body filler or primer.
Cost: Often a new panel is too expensive or not available, therefore replacing
part of the panel[repair section] is more cost effective, if only a small area
has to be replaced.
Wilf and Liv
67 Spit
Tburke4@aol.com wrote:
> All this discussion of the effect of heat on metal brings to mind a question
> I've wondered about often.
>
> While it's often stated that the only way to stop rust is to cut out the
> affected portion of the car and weld in a replacement section, it seems to me
> that I've heard that the welding process would destroy the temper of the
> surrounding metal, making it more likely to rust sooner. Putting aside any
> rust-proofing that might be done after the repair, is this true or not? If it
> is true, wouldn't it make sense to replace panels rather that repair them?
> Comparing the cost of D-I-Y replacement panels to the cost of professional
> bodywork and welding, that is.
>
> Just wondering,
>
> Tom Burke
> 80 Spit
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