- Thread starter Myles1970
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Myles1970
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Yeah, so I had to bite the bullet and get on with it. I'm too inexperienced to know how things are going to pan out with heat transfer, expansion and contraction, so I'm just getting on with it. Starting with the upper edge where I can line it up with the window opening, and the door shut, which is pressed so hopefully less likely to distort....
....I also tacked the straight edge to the rear of the window towards the tailgate, Fitzy style cut'n'butt.... I used the air saw as I've left myself a curve...
I really am shooting in the dark here, as I don't know how the glass fits here^^^ it seems that the 3-door lip isn't exactly the same as the 2-door ...time will tell...
Hard to resist the urge to "weld her up", but think the door shut has enough shape (?) to resist distortion.
I've left it for now, next time I'll cut'n'butt along the rear pocket, and plug weld where it meets the rear light panel (tailgate?). Maybe leave the rear upper quarter seam until last... playing some Leonard Cohen for inspiration
....I also tacked the straight edge to the rear of the window towards the tailgate, Fitzy style cut'n'butt.... I used the air saw as I've left myself a curve...
I really am shooting in the dark here, as I don't know how the glass fits here^^^ it seems that the 3-door lip isn't exactly the same as the 2-door ...time will tell...
Hard to resist the urge to "weld her up", but think the door shut has enough shape (?) to resist distortion.
I've left it for now, next time I'll cut'n'butt along the rear pocket, and plug weld where it meets the rear light panel (tailgate?). Maybe leave the rear upper quarter seam until last... playing some Leonard Cohen for inspiration
Myles1970
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I haven't tacked the lower front edge yet, as I intend to remove the lowest part which covers the rear of the sill. It's already drilled-out along the bottom seam and I'd like to reveal what's underneath (inner sill membrane) and repair/treat as required...
Myles1970
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No. The seam along the door-shut I started with spots about 2" apart, then worked on the cut/butt on the flat surface at the opposite end alternating back and forth between the two areas. No distortion that I can see, so far
Dcal
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The blow gun and compressed air works surprisingly well and it gives you something to do while you are waiting for the next spot so you don't go as quick as you might.
The theory goes something like this -
Preform first weld or tack.
Metal heats up and expands.
Weld next spot before the last one cools down and you will lock in the expansion from the first weld.
The next spot will compound the problem and so on.
Moving from place to place is a great help but it's easy to forget where you are and weld in a hot location.
This is more likely as you close in the panel and have fewer areas to weld.
If it's a flat panel it "will" distort without a lot of care.
The shape in your door post is really helping to keep things on the straight and narrow.
The other bits might be more problematic.
The theory goes something like this -
Preform first weld or tack.
Metal heats up and expands.
Weld next spot before the last one cools down and you will lock in the expansion from the first weld.
The next spot will compound the problem and so on.
Moving from place to place is a great help but it's easy to forget where you are and weld in a hot location.
This is more likely as you close in the panel and have fewer areas to weld.
If it's a flat panel it "will" distort without a lot of care.
The shape in your door post is really helping to keep things on the straight and narrow.
The other bits might be more problematic.
Myles1970
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Good explanation, thanks
Start 2 inches apart and work out away from one another?
Myles1970
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@Cosantoir , yes ... I started with the first spots, one round about 2inches apart, then back to the start and pointed the wire at the circumference of the last spot to overlap. The welder was set to "2" minimum (both "1" minimum and maximum left the welds too proud). I found it difficult to get a good flatter spot without the torch almost at 90⁰ which made it hard to see the wire 
, actually blew through once.
I had a quick look today and it seems distortion free, the only problem is the long straight weld from the side window back has sunk.... Where the curve is is 100%.... I'm sure I can work it out with a slapper from inside
, actually blew through once.I had a quick look today and it seems distortion free, the only problem is the long straight weld from the side window back has sunk.... Where the curve is is 100%.... I'm sure I can work it out with a slapper from inside
Nick DV
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Coming along nicely
Myles1970
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Now, another case of "it doesn't look too bad":
.... until you peel off a layer:
Also, the base of the b-pillar:
The crustiness here is on the double skin that runs half way up the height of the car. I think I'll be cleaning it off, treating it, and covering it up again due to inaccessibility.....to be fair, I think that bit that's visible is the bulk of the corrosion.
Next up will be to cut out and replace the corroded bottom corner of the sill, and tying it in with the inner wheel arch.....
Also, this evening, I removed the engine loom from the engine. I've decided to get my mate to rebuild it cos that's what he does, and there's more chance of it being ready when the rest of the car is ready
.... until you peel off a layer:
Also, the base of the b-pillar:
The crustiness here is on the double skin that runs half way up the height of the car. I think I'll be cleaning it off, treating it, and covering it up again due to inaccessibility.....to be fair, I think that bit that's visible is the bulk of the corrosion.
Next up will be to cut out and replace the corroded bottom corner of the sill, and tying it in with the inner wheel arch.....
Also, this evening, I removed the engine loom from the engine. I've decided to get my mate to rebuild it cos that's what he does, and there's more chance of it being ready when the rest of the car is ready
Hey you seen this?
Myles1970
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@Cosantoir yep, seen it.... Based in Galway I believe, they're known all over the world. I haven't needed anything from them ..... yet
Myles1970
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.....I'll never get the hang of posting pics in the correct order
Anyway.... Got the main part of the first inner arch on, also have an end cap for the sill fab'd but didn't get pics of it. Treating the bare metal that's not completely shot and about to make up a repair section for the end of the inner sill.
Incidentally, I had the pleasure of a hot spark on the top of my foot! Don't know how it got there as I wear Snickers trousers and leather side-zipped motorcycle boots....
