Just discovered this forum from a link on a hot rod forum where I lurk, seems like a friendly bunch. I'm an older guy (Papa-t is what my grandson-in-law dubbed me), been an auto tech for 40+ years, bought a used mini-mig (Matco branded, don't know who built it) several years ago and my first serious learn to weld project is just finished. I built a utility trailer from scratch all welds with flux-core wire. Fun project, will let me make Home Depot runs and such with my fuel efficient Kia Shortage.
- Thread starter papa-t
- Start date
the snooper
getting older by the day
- Messages
- 21,063
- Location
- Hull UK
hi papa t
welcome to the forum everyone here is friendly thats my experience anyway and they are always willing to help with problems dont mention fuel efficiency over here fuel over here is i think 7.87 us dollars per gallon
welcome to the forum everyone here is friendly thats my experience anyway and they are always willing to help with problems dont mention fuel efficiency over here fuel over here is i think 7.87 us dollars per gallon
the snooper
getting older by the day
- Messages
- 21,063
- Location
- Hull UK
yep robbed is correct and dont forget it will go up again on 01/01/10 due to V.A.T going back up to 17.5%
the snooper
getting older by the day
- Messages
- 21,063
- Location
- Hull UK
yep back to 17.5% on 1st jan just done my vat return and the reminder is printed on it they are just trying to depress us.
shenion
Tool Pack Rat
- Messages
- 7,586
- Location
- Stone Mountain, GA USA
Welcome from GA 
Have not built a trailer, but am on my 3rd modified one. Just picked up an old boat trailer with a small bed. Cut the tongue down so it wasn't 17' long.
Have a 5x8' enclosed that I replaced the axle on. It is nice enough but sucks gas (aerodynamic as a brick.). Also the back door is only 47" wide so could not load large riding mowers.
Picked up my first MIG almost 3 years ago. Learned a lot from these forums; good group here
Have not built a trailer, but am on my 3rd modified one. Just picked up an old boat trailer with a small bed. Cut the tongue down so it wasn't 17' long.
Have a 5x8' enclosed that I replaced the axle on. It is nice enough but sucks gas (aerodynamic as a brick.). Also the back door is only 47" wide so could not load large riding mowers.
Picked up my first MIG almost 3 years ago. Learned a lot from these forums; good group here
building trailer
Building was fun. used Chrysler minivan axle, 2x3 rectangular tube, 14g. 1" square tube uprights 1.25 dia round tube rails so I can slide plywood etc. over sides without damage. Put all the wiring inside conduit for protection, used some old Volvo tail lights.
Building was fun. used Chrysler minivan axle, 2x3 rectangular tube, 14g. 1" square tube uprights 1.25 dia round tube rails so I can slide plywood etc. over sides without damage. Put all the wiring inside conduit for protection, used some old Volvo tail lights.
pedrobedro
Man at Matalan
- Messages
- 12,986
- Location
- CX near Chesterfield
I have a Kia Spottage too 
It doesn't spot now I've changed the rocker gasket though ( Valve cover in your language I think) and I tow a Combi Camp trailer tent with it. The back plug was drowning in oil but it's fixed now.
It doesn't spot now I've changed the rocker gasket though ( Valve cover in your language I think) and I tow a Combi Camp trailer tent with it. The back plug was drowning in oil but it's fixed now.Spottage/Shortage/Sportage
Bought mine broken, 1st owner failed to do timing belt maintainence-belt broke and DOHC engines are generally "hitters". Pulled head and did necessary repairs, it's a pretty good little car and very oil-tight. Funny thing about mine, it started as a "Dinghy" towed behind an RV, will end as a tow vehicle for ute trailer and camper trailer. My next welding challenge is to fab a hitch. Any suggestions? Anyone?
Bought mine broken, 1st owner failed to do timing belt maintainence-belt broke and DOHC engines are generally "hitters". Pulled head and did necessary repairs, it's a pretty good little car and very oil-tight. Funny thing about mine, it started as a "Dinghy" towed behind an RV, will end as a tow vehicle for ute trailer and camper trailer. My next welding challenge is to fab a hitch. Any suggestions? Anyone?
- Messages
- 22,493
- Location
- Birmingham
What you mean? We are very efficient...ly robbed! Dick Turpin has nothing on HM Government!
weldequip
Returned from Isle Of Mull yesterday, fuel 118p per litre...........ouch!!
Sid
Member
- Messages
- 269
hi papa t
welcome to the forum everyone here is friendly thats my experience anyway and they are always willing to help with problems dont mention fuel efficiency over here fuel over here is i think 7.87 us dollars per gallon
Yes but they're british gallons, so they're 20% bigger.
pedrobedro
Man at Matalan
- Messages
- 12,986
- Location
- CX near Chesterfield
We are not allowed to make our own towbars (hitches) they have to be approved manufacturers parts. Best plan would be to look for pictures then get the tape out, measure up and make something that looks like the manufacturers item. Mine had one fitted already so I didn't have that problem.
towbars (hitches)
Seems like governments everywhere want to make everything either illegal or mandatory. I can still build my own hitch, but if it breaks and causes an accident I'd be in a deep pile of ****. Looking at the rear crossmember I think I can weld the receiver bar directly to the center of it and "A" it to the frame on either side. It needs to come out right where the license plate is now, I'll relocate the plate. Main thing is good solid weld at frame and crossmember. Great part is that this is a Texas car/no rust!
Seems like governments everywhere want to make everything either illegal or mandatory. I can still build my own hitch, but if it breaks and causes an accident I'd be in a deep pile of ****. Looking at the rear crossmember I think I can weld the receiver bar directly to the center of it and "A" it to the frame on either side. It needs to come out right where the license plate is now, I'll relocate the plate. Main thing is good solid weld at frame and crossmember. Great part is that this is a Texas car/no rust!
