Hi folks. I'm welding up a tricky section right under the wing in front of the A post (BTW I had to cut out a section of the wing to get to it - is that normal practice!?). There are going to be a few patches I'm going to be putting in that will be at the end of the the rain water gulley under the windscreen. (Fiesta MKII) Once the patch is welded in place I can't get to the other side of it (well not easily) to coat it with a rust protector. Is this 'how it is' with some welds or is there a rust treatment/paint coating that I can protect the metal long term (prior to welding) that won't react with the MIG welding? The sill patches I've already put on are also unprotected on the other side. Do I have to use galvanised steel in these areas? (I've heard/read it gives off really dangerous fumes). Thanks. Regards, Dan
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mike 109444
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Hi Dan 
I have been using zinc base primer from screwfix on any pieces I have had to weld to my resto. It's handy to protect the patch or plate once made because I don't always weld them streight on when made. It works for me
. I don't think there is that much zinc in the primer. You can get 6 rattle tins for about £20
. I would have prefered to have got some of the high zinc content primer (one's that say 90% zinc ect) but then you have to mess around with spray guns or brushes.... Make sure any you get don't just say zinc phosphate and if you don't get it from screwfix then check the zinc content % more the better.
I have been using zinc base primer from screwfix on any pieces I have had to weld to my resto. It's handy to protect the patch or plate once made because I don't always weld them streight on when made. It works for me. I don't think there is that much zinc in the primer. You can get 6 rattle tins for about £20. I would have prefered to have got some of the high zinc content primer (one's that say 90% zinc ect) but then you have to mess around with spray guns or brushes.... Make sure any you get don't just say zinc phosphate and if you don't get it from screwfix then check the zinc content % more the better.
the snooper
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not really especially if the wing is good, its far better to remove the wing and just plug weld it back on
Thanks Mike. I'll definately get that Zinc Primer. I've got a local-ish Screwfix. I've got some general purpose stuff knocking about but I take it that it's specially made for welding through.
Snooper, thanks. Ahh, so that's the way it's normally done. As it happens, the front part of the wing as it joins the front is 50% glass fibre. So if I did remove it it'd be a pain (if not scary!) to weld back in. Still, this way at least I can have my first go at invisibly butt welding two thin panels...This MIG welding is becoming addictive!
But specially because of the help here.
Regards, Dan
Snooper, thanks. Ahh, so that's the way it's normally done. As it happens, the front part of the wing as it joins the front is 50% glass fibre. So if I did remove it it'd be a pain (if not scary!) to weld back in. Still, this way at least I can have my first go at invisibly butt welding two thin panels...This MIG welding is becoming addictive!
But specially because of the help here.Regards, Dan
Another thing to check out, is if there is any way you can get to the inside of a panel from a side, or an end, or from - often in the case of sills - inside the vehicle, where you can drill a 20 mm or larger hole to spray through to reach the back of your welded panel, then stick a grommet in it. But don't do this until all sections nearby are welded and finished, as rustoil and waxoil spread like nobody's business.
