Weld on quarter panel section

[rccat]

I'm working on a 1968 firebird
Has anybody used these weld on quarter panel section before? (wheel flares) to start.
I'm planning on using a mig welder, do you think the mig welder will do the job? I do have a cheep arc welder.
Any advice on doing this would be appreciated. Should I rivit in place first?
Should I use primer on the back side first to prevent rust?
Then finish it off with bondo?

Thank you John

[triplerc]

use a mig welder, set it cold * Make sure not to get the metal to hot*
or you will worp the metal. Cool the tack's and weld over them build up a tack then, take a grinder to it smoothe it out. Then get some fiberglass and put it on top of the grounded down weld tack's. Let that get hard, take some 80 grit sand paper smoothe it out, then go over it again with 320 grit sand paper to get it really smoothe. then get some primer of your choice. Prime it good and thick. get out some 600 grit wet sand paper and wet sand it and then finish it off with 1200 grit wet sand paper. Take your time when wet sanding and it will pay in the end.All thats left is to seal it and base coat it, then clear coat it.

[burnM]

Don't rivet, just use clamps or those flat vice-grips for a good hold before you weld. Work in a small area at a time with your welds, giving time to cool so the tin doesn't warp. When all of the welding is done, I would use a grinder(again in small areas,allowing to cool)to smooth out the metal as much as possible(air tools are great for this)using successive grits. The trick is to use as little filler as you can. If you are inexperienced with fiberglass, it could end up cracking on you in the long run. When I do bodywork, I try to get the initial surface as smooth and straight as possible before using any type of filler(lead,bondo,'glass) Take your time, work slowly and you should end up with a clean straight panel.
Just my 2 cents

[rccat]

Hay Thanks triplerc and burnM
This will help! weld cold and keep the metal smooth.
Thanks for the grits of paper and fiberglass!
And thanks for the no rivets to much build up with them and I do like the fiber bondo!

Thanks guys John

[tomminajar]

Vice grips and clamps will work but I would invest in those 'quick cleo clips' from'East wood for something as big as flares - I Love Em'

[burnM]

Yeah...but I work like a redneck
No tools, improvise!

[tomminajar]

Well at least you didn't mention holding the flare on with duct tape!!

[burnM]

Don't put it past me...lol

[rccat]

Ok duct tape it is