I don't so much mind fixing dents...

[firstgenaddict]

I would rather be working with rust than a patched up fiberglass mess anyday... rsut does suck though... using a tig is the best way on thin metal... IMHO

[Nova Jed]

I'm on my third car now and only just found the "sweet" spot. Eric, I will trade some work for a carb....LOL What are you working on?

[VintageMusclecar]

James;

I've only tried to tig once in my life...I ain't that coordinated

Jed;

I'm fixing some rust in the inner wheelhouses and at the sides of the trunk floor on my Chevelle. I've already replaced the drivers side footwell and fixed a butchered shifter hole...mind you, this all on a car that I purchased with the assurance that it was "100% rust-free". I honestly expected to find some rust, I've just found quite a bit more than I'd bargained for.

Live and learn.

Eric

[Nova Jed]

I love rust! That's all there is in cars from PA! I wouldn't buy a car if it didn't have any panels that didn't need replacing.

Heck, I would've done better on a junkyard car compared to the POS I'm doing up now. I've seen better in the junkyards around here! I need a couple !

[68l30]

The trick to those little buzz box migs is to use the right mix of shielding gas and wire.....I like to run a 95/5 mix.Stay away from those tri mixs and the cooler running blends..If your still tring to weld with the flux core set up .......Your better off with coat hangers and torches.. Be sure to check your power supply. If you have a weak circut your in for a rough time as well.In doing field work, I've found those machines run like a whole new animal when coupled to a generator... Hope it helps.

Steve

[68l30]

Also one of the biggest mistakes in installing those patch panels is not removing enough of the "bad" metal. You can't weld thin rust to new metal.Doesn't work. You need a nice clean sharp edge with a nice fit up to the new panel.If you don't grind or cut the metal correctly you will end up with a edge that is cut like this / (beveled)...it should be square with thin gauge sheet steel.No gaps in the joint. Learn to tack weld first.Connect your tacks together.Start by spacing them 1" apart.Then go back and weld (tack) between them. Once your machine is set and your an expert at the tack weld....move on to a stitch weld. A row of tacks is surprisingly strong. Once connected,they are a solid weld. A whole bunch stronger than boogers and a lot eaiser to clean up......

Steve

[Schonyenko2]

I have found .o23 wire diameter works very well on sheetmetal. And I suggest you buy your wire(mild steel) from a welding supply store. There is a difference. Actually I'd suggest you buy your welder from a welding supply shop. Variable heat, and wire feed adjustments rather than click settings. Much easier to tune in. JMHO