Shaved Doors

[Powerefx]

Finally bought the Shaved handle kit. I was wondering what sort of sheetmetal i should use. Copper, aluminum, how thick should it be? Where can i buy some of this sheetmetal from? And is an arc welder good enoguht to do the job because i dont want to get a welder that too powerful or it will warp the door.

[mike@af]

Arc welders are better for thicker metal and the metal you will be welding is way to thin for an Arc welder. You should use either MIG (75% Helium or CO2 25% Argon), TIG, or O/A. You should use roughly 19 gage Cold Roll steel to fill the handle. Just space your tacks out and take your time to let them cool.

[Powerefx]

What about those cheap arc welders on ebay? Will they be to strong as well? And if so, what about thos flux core welders, how will they do?

[PBking82]

Yeah those chepo welders aren't worth the money. If you get one that can be converted to a TIG setup then you might have something to work with. Also, flux core prolly won't work for this. You need the shielding gas to complete the weld. Like GT said you're gonna need a MIG (w/ gas), TIG, or O/A. Hope this helps ya. Peace-

[duplox]

If you have no experience MIG or TIG or sheetmetal O/A welding, take the car to a shop and have them do the welding.

[mike@af]

A decent welder will set you back about $400, and make sure it has a sheilding gas set up, flux core it pretty shoddy, especially when welding sheet.

Like duplox said, if you no experience welding, leave it to the professionals. Otherwise down the road your welds will crack if they arent done correctly.

[Powerefx]

Well, i would take it to a shop, but i want to do it myslef for experience. I mean its not like im welding two cars together. Im just supposed to weld a few "dots" spaced out, and i think those cheap TIG wealders will do. The thing will be covered with bondo anyways so doesnt make much difference.

[mike@af]

Originally Posted by Powerefx

Well, i would take it to a shop, but i want to do it myslef for experience. I mean its not like im welding two cars together. Im just supposed to weld a few "dots" spaced out, and i think those cheap TIG wealders will do. The thing will be covered with bondo anyways so doesnt make much difference.

Relying on bondo isnt the way to go. Bondo is only skin deep. If theres a bunch of bondo, than the paint work wont last, so on and so forth. Bondo should just be used for skim coating, and sand most of it off so theres very little left. Weld the patch entirely, sand the welds down, and if done correctly very little, if any bondo will be used.

[Powerefx]

If i do get it done by the autobody shop, around how much will i be looking to spend on the charge for 4 doors and a hatch door?

[Devious Designs]

Who makes tig conversions for arc welders anyone know? I got a lincoln 251 that i'd like to change over if possible...

[mike@af]

Brook, do you have the Idealarc 250? I know they make a TIG conversion for that.

[Devious Designs]

Hmm don't remember, got it for free from my uncle, its been sitting in my "garage" for the last few years collecting dust, i know its a lincoln arc welder, rated at 251 or 250, might be a few years old... Where can i find the tig conversion?

[mike@af]

Check Lincolns site to see what you need. Then check your local retailer, or eBay.

[Powerefx]

Anyone can answer my question?^

[PBking82]

Powerefx: it really all depends upon who is doing the work and what they are doing. For all 4 doors plus the hatch, it'll prolly run you around at least $500. This may be off, but the only places around my area that do this type of work are "custom" shops. Generally these places are gonna charge you an arm and a leg to do the work (why? because they can). Peace-