Question about welding sheetmetal

[nctom]

Bought a little 110 Lincoln mig/gas welder today to stitch the sheetmetal interior together. Before I started, I thought I would pick the brains of those who do it. My standby method is to drill holes in the top sheet and "Spot Weld" into the bottom while filling the top hole. Seems to work, but maybe there is a better way???

 

[MarsFab]

Thats how I'd do it. It's the cleanest way to go. If you have two panels that meet at different angles it's nice if you can punch holes 1/4" from the edge on the top piece and brake it to match the piece it's meeting. then you get a nice clean valley between the two and you can grind the plug welds smooth.

 

[nctom]

Sounds good, I like your thoughts on the angle.

BTW... Been checking out some of your work, very nice!

I need to find some one who can shear some thick sheetmetal for me. who would you reccomend? Not sure what the gauge is. Much thicker than the .040 and .080 we use on the dirt track cars. The floor and firewall need some beef in this application.

 

[MarsFab]

16ga. Should be plenty. I could roll a few beads in it you'll be amazed how much that will stiffen it up.

 

[nctom]

16ga. Should be plenty. I could roll a few beads in it you'll be amazed how much that will stiffen it up.

Might take you up on that after I fit it all up. This is what I am dealing with (pics). Big engine setback is making me get creative with the foot boxes and firewall. The old Scout metal is some really thick stuff! Since the MC and steering originally hung on the sheet metal I may need to just hang that stuff off the cage instead.

 

[SSWaters]

Me thinks I've seen this Scout, but 'da engine wasn't in it. And that was just last week!

Chris is the man Tommy, if George picked him that carries a ton of weight to me.

 

[nctom]

Scott, Coming from you thats a pretty good recomendation, cause you are like fabrasauris Rex yourself. Big Jeff up at Advance Auto in Harrisburg was telling me about Chris too. Says he is da' man.
Got the drivetrain all mocked up and mounts fabbed. If Chris can roll me some beads I should get the firewall and tunnel done this weekend. Nope, never mind. The TORC race this weekend.

 

[MarsFab]

As long as you don't use material thicker than 16ga. I can roll all the beads you need. Tomorrow works, Friday and Saturday I'll be out of the shop then back Monday if you wanna do it then. Keep in mind whatever you need me to roll will have to be flat. It can't have any bends in it yet.

 

[nctom]

K, probably be next week. Thanks Chris.

 

[MarsFab]

I'll see you then.