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Panel work, welding and cutting.
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=84657		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  ybot [ Wed Feb 19, 2014 1:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Panel work, welding and cutting.
Hey,

Ive stripped back my mini now and am at the part of cutting some rust out of a few parts and getting panels replaced.. I have zero knowledge of this sort of work. Is there anyone getting about the place that does on site welding that is experienced in this field? Any small business in Adelaide? That or anyone who would be keen to share some of their valuable knowledge and come and help and ill pay for your time and put on a few beers? ive researched alot and have a fair understanding of the job but im paranoid bout 1 never having done any welding and 2 about warping panels?

Im still a few months out of buying the new panels but just want to get on with organising a plan of attack.

If this is a silly request sorry but im about as noob as it gets when it comes to cars..

cheers for your time, Toby
Author:  Diesel27 [ Wed Feb 19, 2014 8:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Panel work, welding and cutting.
Hi Toby,
why don't you post a few pictures (Photobucket) and you will get some feedback.
I am starting a shell resto myself, and will post more pics when serious work occurs.
still removing all the bits.
spend some time on youtube.
good luck
Author:  booy_it [ Wed Feb 19, 2014 9:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Panel work, welding and cutting.
ybot wrote:
Hey,

Ive stripped back my mini now and am at the part of cutting some rust out of a few parts and getting panels replaced.. I have zero knowledge of this sort of work. Is there anyone getting about the place that does on site welding that is experienced in this field? Any small business in Adelaide? That or anyone who would be keen to share some of their valuable knowledge and come and help and ill pay for your time and put on a few beers? ive researched alot and have a fair understanding of the job but im paranoid bout 1 never having done any welding and 2 about warping panels?

Im still a few months out of buying the new panels but just want to get on with organising a plan of attack.

If this is a silly request sorry but im about as noob as it gets when it comes to cars..

cheers for your time, Toby


when I was 17 (many moons ago lol) I restored my 1st mini over 5 yrs ...I had no welding experience but I bought a couple of mini restoration book (as the internet wasnt available to us yet) spent 6 mths finding as much info and diy work on welding mini panels , bought a sip 120 amp gasless mig , bought a sheet of scrap 1.2mm mild steel and practiced welding over a few weekends ie spot welds, vertical downs etc untill I felt comfortable to weld my mini ...I ended up cutting out and welding both front guards, front cowel, both inner and outer a panels, both front floor pans, both outer sills, and drivers door skin....and It turned out really well ...all I can say is dont rush your welding , now we have the Internet just Google "how to weld mini panels" or whatever panel u need to do , look at as many step by step pics as u can ...just take your time ...there are plenty of guys on here willing to help with advice ...just take your time doing your job :D
Author:  ybot [ Thu Feb 20, 2014 1:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Panel work, welding and cutting.
Cheers for the replys guys. Guess i just gotta grow a pair and have a go at it then. I might do some more research. I guess anything can be fixed if im struggling.

Thanks again.
Author:  Flute [ Thu Feb 20, 2014 4:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Panel work, welding and cutting.
There are a lot of us out here needing the same advice so it would be great if you can post some pics as you go. Good on you for having a go.
Author:  boomini [ Thu Feb 20, 2014 9:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Panel work, welding and cutting.
I have some pretty detailed pics in my build thread - boominis 68 deluxe. Have a looj and you will see sone of the processes needed.

Rodney
Author:  captainwaldopepper [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 7:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Panel work, welding and cutting.
Hi Toby
I was in the same situation a year or two ago-had a rusty shell and no clue how to weld, panel beat or paint.
Like the other blokes have suggested, the only way to really succeed is to buy a welder and some tools and start the job.
As I did, you will make lots of mistakes but eventually get better and there are plenty of people on this forum that have years of experience so most problems can be solved by asking a few questions.
You'll find that the actual welding and painting is the easy part- it's the preparation, if you do it right, that is time consuming.
Good with the little beast mate
Dave
Author:  Angusdog [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 9:53 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Panel work, welding and cutting.
First stop: The MIG Welding forum. Friendly place that has tutorials (including a thin metal technique which is easy and 95% of the welding you'll be doing on your mini) and a forum where I waste 99% of my free time.

You'll mainly be doing two welds: butt welds and plug welds where there was a spot weld originally. Both covered on the MIG welding site.

It's not too difficult to learn; the best thing to do is either replace entire panels or cut back to solid metal. Welding into very thin (>0.8mm thick) metal is a pain and you end up burning through and 'chasing' the hole into the panel.

Don't get a gasless MIG. Get an auto helmet (Chinese ones are good value). Practice first. Post pics. Ask questions. Have at it. Job done.
Author:  ybot [ Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Panel work, welding and cutting.
Some great advice. im going to borrow a gas mig this week and get some old mini panels and start to learn. ill also jump over to the mig welding forum. thanks for that tip. I have a few panels like the a panels that need to be cut and welded mid panel so i might leave that till last and start on the seams of the from apron and stuff like that?

Whats the worst that could happen right?? lol
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