While we are at it, what's really kicking my ass is the plates for the tubes coming forward toward the firewall. Between difficult access, multiple seams on the car, weird joint orientation, and thin sheet metal, I'm having a hard time finding the balance between adequate penetration and blowing a hole in everything.
If anyone has any secrets to share I'd love to hear them!
Copper plate back-up is your friend.
Heck..don't fret; everyone blows holes through sheet metal.
Unfortunately a copper backing plate is not an option. Thanks for the reassurance that everyone blows holes in sheet. I think part of my problem is I am worrying too much about blowing holes instead of just doing what I know will work (most of the time).
"Hopscotch weld" basically you spot weld and move around the plate until you get enough tacks to be continuous or near so.
Spark/initiate on the heavier plate and melt onto the tin in short burst. Move an inch or so and repeat . around the plate.
That lets the weld cool between hits and will burn through less often. looks like poopsie tho but is strongerr than continuous burn weld due to less brittleness .
Mike Ogren , FWDracingguide.com, 352.4288.983 ,http://www.ogren-engineering.com/
Thanks Mike. Once again it's good to be reassured it looks like poopsie. I must be doing it right.
I basically do it the way Mike mentioned as well.
Another way when you have more access is to keep the arc on the plate and let the weld puddle kinda 'drip' down onto the sheet metal. gotta move quick enough that you don't blow through the sheet, but I had good luck with that welding the plates to the floor.
Houston Region
STU Nissan 240SX
EProd RX7
Oh. Like a plug weld. Got it.
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