tub fixin' (pics)

jagerlager · 02-10-2008, 03:39 PM

Hey guys...
Finally started to fix up the tub. I decided to replace bad spots with new steel.
Since all the spots I need to fix are where panels meet floor etc... It seems its going to be a mess. I thought of bending 16 ga. angle and spot welding to the floor panels and then spot welding repaired side panels to that. Do I need to go that far? is this tub too far gone?
I fabricated some new front floor supports, and cut out and made a new floor patch, and attempted to weld it in. It seems tacking works well, but some areas of existing floor are too thin and it blows right through. I thought I cut back to good metal.
any advice?
perhaps you can point me in a more successful direction.
Thanks!

jagerlager · 02-10-2008, 03:40 PM

the rest of the pictures

roundlitefan · 02-10-2008, 03:54 PM

Certainly not an expert, since the only welding I have ever done is TIG and SMAW, and no sheet metal experience, but one rule is non-flexible.

You can't weld air.

It looks like some of your patch may be cut too small, and you have some pretty large air gaps there that you are trying to fill with rod. I can't tell for sure from the pics, but that is my best guess.

Again, no body welding experience, so take it with a grain of salt.

Bard · 02-10-2008, 03:55 PM

Well, tub does seem kinda rusty, still can see the rot in the pics where it was missed or just overshot with the blaster. As for welding in panels, you should be able to adjust your heat and feed to burn a little lower and slower. If the weld blows through like the pics, well the metal isn't very good to begin with and the heat is finding the pockets where it can go thru. Could be alot of it due to the condition of the tub.

Edit - when doing patches, do complete so they mount easier. Example is a floor panel, i have seen more 8x16 sections and it only enforces that section, really defeats the purpose of fixing it. Just do the whole floor panel and make it stronger.

Fatman · 02-10-2008, 04:18 PM

I gotta hand it to ya, I went 1/4" overlap and still had a time.
Try to slow your wire down just a bit and work int the pool. stop and make tacks every three inches, then go back and do every two and the one inch. Sheet is hard !

Jimthejeepman1 · 02-10-2008, 05:51 PM

When your welding two metals together and you have either really thin metals or a gap your dealing with, use a thick piece of copper or brass on the back side of the weld. The weld won't stick to the copper or brass, and it will pull some of the heat away which will result in blowing less holes in the steel and burn through. This method works really well when you are tackwelding or stitch welding pieces together, because it lets you build up the thin areas with weld.

jagerlager · 02-16-2008, 08:39 PM

Thanks for the tips!

A little more progress (if ya can call it that). Very little fab experience, very little welding experience... Learning as I go. I plan to blast again. Couldnt find a brake out here in the sticks so I welded an angle onto the 16 ga for the panel repair. I like how it turned out. This is all a bit messy looking but should be very structurally sound and in the end grinding, blasting, body filler and seam sealer should clean it up.

jagerlager · 02-16-2008, 08:40 PM

one more picture.

**Pacfanweb** · 02-16-2008, 09:12 PM

My tub was much worse. Keep on rocking with that one.

jagerlager · 03-12-2008, 08:17 PM

Been moving right along. Learning how to make better welds.
Thanks to you guys for the tips!
I'm quite a bit furthur along at this point. I'll try to get the posts caught up.
Heres the first batch.

I used 3/4" angle to connect the patches to existing floor panels.
I went back after tacking and slowly welded solid then ground... not bad results, will need filler.
Jig saw to cut the patches. cut wheel to cut out bad areas.
I decided to save the wheel well profile, and weld it back to the patch. I was amazed it worked out.

jagerlager · 03-12-2008, 08:27 PM

A few more.
I'm patching as I go no big over all plan which is probably a bad Idea.... but Its working out so...
Glad I chose this route over fiberglass, although it is a challenge, and takes forever for me.

jagerlager · 03-12-2008, 08:29 PM

a couple more.............

jagerlager · 03-12-2008, 08:44 PM

new Body mounts.
Several measurements for location.
3/4" angle iron cradle, two ply 16 ga. with nut welded on... Might work.

coas · 03-12-2008, 11:17 PM

Great job!!

**SlikRic** · 03-13-2008, 08:08 AM

I'm about to start repairing my body, I will be thrilled if my welds come out even close..... Great Job