Replicating Factory Spot Weld Appearance

[bkhpah]

After spot welding new NOS quarter panels on one of the Camaros we had at legend judging with a 15K tower spot welder, one of the judges did not like a few of the accurate reproduced assembly line style welds. He claimed a few were not as "round" as he would like to see. He then told us about recreating the welds with a No.2 pencil. That way the fake welds would look more consistant. Any idea now many No.2s' you can buy for 15K?...What were we thinking?...BKH

[farone]

yeh

[bkhpah]

Yeh is right...BKH

[ORIGLS6]

[ QUOTE ]
one of the judges did not like a few of the accurate reproduced assembly line style welds................. He then told us about recreating the welds with a No.2 pencil.
That way the fake welds would look more consistant.

[/ QUOTE ]

If that weren't true, it would be hilarious!

Ron White is right; "You can't fix STUPID"!

[SS427]

[ QUOTE ]
.....one of the judges did not like a few of the accurate reproduced assembly line style welds. He claimed a few were not as "round" as he would like to see.

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Precisely why I hate having cars judged any more. That is just getting WAY too picky! Like ANY assembly line was ever consistant.

[CamarosRus]

Brian, As one of the ACA "Camaros at Carlisle" 1st Gen LEGENDS Judges yourself, what was the points conclusion on that spot welded restoration described above ??????? ............

And for those that choose to enter the world of having their cars judged for restoration accuracy how do you suggest they address this issue, if real spot welding is not used ????

respectfully submitted,

[RamAirDave]

As far as factory accuracy goes, do judges take points off for a paint job that is "too good", one that in no way replicates a factory finish?

[Schonyenko2]

My God, that's just nuts. I've ran those spot welders in production mode. They are set for single spot, or automatic.ie: you push the button, and let go. 1 spot. When you're running production, you hold the button down, and pull/push the jaws, and it runs on automatic. That's why you get some tweaking on the lip edges as it 's moving, grabs, and spots. There are some times high, and low heat buttons for heat/penetration. That will make a difference on the depth of the spot. You also need to dress/sharpen the copper points during the day as they flatten out with use. Or the heat setting could be off, then you call an electrician to come fix the setting, and you go set on your a$$ on down time. Damn unions.

[bkhpah]

I don't think in the end any points were deducted for the welds, but it did cause some high blood pressure from the owner. As for way to nice paint, that never has been an issue yet. But I have seen other paint and body assembly issues picked on that are 100% accurate. Even to the point of disregarding the survivor cars that are in attendance that are perfect reference material....BKH

[Bob]

Mike,
That is a cool tool! I wish I had this info when I was searching for a way to do my car.