Another lover of rusty old cars

[Spot the welders dog]

Hi all, long time lurker, first time poster....

I really am pleased that I found this site: For the last 15/20 years I thought I was capable of sticking two pieces of metal together - the truth is the welds were probably just a slight bit better than using sticky-tape!

The first welder I bought second hand: It was a Snap-On 130 turbo. Unfortunalty some little sh*t thought they would help themselves to it
I then rushed out and bought a SIP 100 migmate which I continued to 'play' with (on & off) for 10 years or so.

Three years ago I started on a big project to bring my 1961 Austin Seven (mini) back to life. It was during this that the SIP started to show its limitations. However the guy in the garage next door had a Clark 150 turbo which he sold to me for a really good price (including four bottles of gas). What a difference!!!

Now the real reason I lurk in the background of this here site.

Along the road is a mechanic: Whilst I was building the mini, he said he would show me how to 'weld correctly'. "I have never seen so much 'bird sh*t' outside of a zoo!!!"

Right thought I. There must be some others willing to share the correct way to MIG....so here I am: willing and (just) able.

I have another project Mini that is under going a rust bust at the mo, so please be patient with me if I ask silly questions on the board.

Thanks for sharing: it is very much appreicated.

Paul

 

[lexi]

Hi Paul
Minis are great fun. I remember my mate with a Clubman setting out on the old Loch Lomond road. I followed in my Triumph 2.5 PI 6 cyl. I could not get by him. Every time I accelerated onto his back bumper on the straight he would leave me on the bends.
Alex

 

[malcolm]

Do post some photos of the welds - we might be able to make some suggestions. Most of the real birdshit welds I've seen on cars were a result of welding to metal that wasn't clean enough (oddly enough those welds tended to have be done by car mechanics), though settings can make a big difference too.

I do like the early Minis. Proper cars don't have wind up windows!