[67Elcamino]

I have welded my first patch panel on a lower fender piece that was rotted out. I was having problems with my MIG welder using .30 wire and keeping it from burning through the panels. I carefully patched this panel (sorry I know its not the right way) but Im afarid that I might of left pinholes in between the spots. When I grounded the edges down I noticed that many of these pinholes where covered up by the grinding but I know theres still some left. My question is If I shoot a couple coats of Epoxy primer will it seal these pinholes? also there seems to be some dark burnmarks in between the tiny seems it it important to clear this out before applying the epoxy? if so what do you guys recommend?

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/...PatchPanel.jpg

[matts37chev]

i would go get some 023/024 wire
it will be easier than the 030 wire
and go back over anywhere you think there is a hole or a low spot
keep it up, looks good

[swvalcon]

Yes the pin holes can be a issue.A lot depends on where you live and if car will be driven in bad weather. If you live in a dry state not that big of a deal. Best way is to sand blast with a small hand sand blaster over your weld before you apply any filler to it.If you have the fender off you can sand blast the back side of your welded patch epoxy prime then seal weld area with seam sealer and undercoat.

[dave350v8]

X2 on the seam sealer,can help tidy up the welded area aswell!

[Lizer]

I was taught to go over patches with fiberglass filler since it's water proof.

[mi chael]

It took me a long time before I got things right my first time. They say "practise makes perfect". Keep at it and you will get the hang of it. I cut the rust out of a car and I must have done 3 or 4 goes on each patch panel. The car itself was pretty much a waste of time but I learnt the hard way.(I think it was the best way get it right!!)

The patch panel you did looks pretty good for first time in my opinion.

mi chael.

[deadbodyman]

Once again your being too hard on yourself (a sign of a good craftsman) Your patch looks fine. all you need is a couple pointers..
Try putting a drop light behind the work to find the pinholes then blast them with your welder.
The blue spots are metal ground too thin and getting overheated to fix this just get your pick hammer or a punch and counter sink the spot then weld it up...piece a cake...

[67Elcamino]

Originally Posted by deadbodyman

Once again your being too hard on yourself (a sign of a good craftsman) Your patch looks fine. all you need is a couple pointers..
Try putting a drop light behind the work to find the pinholes then blast them with your welder.
The blue spots are metal ground too thin and getting overheated to fix this just get your pick hammer or a punch and counter sink the spot then weld it up...piece a cake...

Thanks DBM.. I couldnt stop laughing at your last post I started.. Did an old Indian really tell you that??

I figured I was over analyzing the situation.. I was thinking that these tiny, if any, pinholes can just be covered with a couple layers of Epoxy Primer, filler, then the primers. Doesnt see how filling with figerglass resin first willbe any help. If water gets in and starts rusting the metal the resin will separate from the metal.

DBM I do see how I can just blast small pinholes with the welder but Im afraid to burn through again.. Ive had a hell of a time keeping not burning through. Im hoping that problem is that Im using too big of wire guage.. using .30 without gas. Ive lowered it as far as I can go but still cannot get it to flow smoothly. My next invested is a C-25 gas tank.. Do you think gas and using smaller guage will make that big a difference?

[67Elcamino]

Sorry DBM... It was another member that posted that quote...

old indian once told me " what there when start........be there when done "

[matts37chev]

Originally Posted by 67Elcamino

DBM I do see how I can just blast small pinholes with the welder but Im afraid to burn through again.. Ive had a hell of a time keeping not burning through. Im hoping that problem is that Im using too big of wire guage.. using .30 without gas. Ive lowered it as far as I can go but still cannot get it to flow smoothly. My next invested is a C-25 gas tank.. Do you think gas and using smaller guage will make that big a difference?

the smaller wire and mixed gas will make a large difference in your welding on the thin stuff
if you are using 030 flux core now, you will feel like a pro with the smaller stuff

[67Elcamino]

Thanks Matt.. Looks like I will be investing in a tank and regulators..
I was hoping that it would make a big difference. By the way I love your 37 coupe.. Ive been looking for a 37 for some time looks like Im gonna settle for a 40 coupe..

[Busted Knuckles]

Does your welder already have a gas solenoid? Gotta have one.

[67Elcamino]

I believe so.. I have a Millermatic 140 It does have a gas inlet in the back.
I dont weld very often how fast does a tank of c20 last? should a buy a small 2- ft tall one or a 4-5 foot one?

Do they expire?

[Busted Knuckles]

I don't weld all that often either. I just use the little scuba sized one. Just remember to turn the gas off when you're done. I forgot to turn mine off once and about four months later I needed to weld something and the tank was empty, and of course, the valve was wide open.

[TommyK]

Originally Posted by Busted Knuckles

I don't weld all that often either. I just use the little scuba sized one. Just remember to turn the gas off when you're done. I forgot to turn mine off once and about four months later I needed to weld something and the tank was empty, and of course, the valve was wide open.

Been there done that too!!!