Welding in hood seal channel Qs . . .

gerg

So I have read here a few posts about how hard it is to MIG in these new hood seal channels. I am looking for a spot welder I can use, but things are looking bleak. Anyone have any luck with the 'drill-n-fill' method of attaching these? They are quite thin, but I think with some care it can be done. Basically I am asking for any advice to attach these things outside of spot welding that may work.

Thanks!
_________________
Gerg

. . . I got 99 problems and my bus ain't one . . .

'65 Sunroof Beetle
'65 Vert
'60 Singlecab

keifernet · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 12:43 pm Post subject:

Greg, you have a mig don't you?

Bklyn63 · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 12:58 pm Post subject:

harbor freight has a spot welder which works on 11ov. check it out I think its 150 bucks.

if not just tack it with a mig welder.

gerg · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 1:13 pm Post subject:

keifernet · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 1:54 pm Post subject:

If you mean drill a hole in just the hood seal channel and then tack it to the body, yeah that works for me... the only thing the mig might cause is for you to have to grind down the tack welds a tad... not as clean as a "spot welder" is ... but I am used to that!

But that would emulate the factory spot weld more so than tacking the edge. The seal is going to cover the work anyway.

Keep it turned on low and your wire speed about right ( on mine I set it about 25 for that kind of light tacking) bumping the trigger every couple of seconds is all it needs

Bklyn63 · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 3:13 pm Post subject:

if you have air tools. buy a hole punch air flange tool and punch a few holes. then fill with mig weld.

you can get the hole punch for 39.99 from harborfreight .

It saved me alot of time when i welded in my ragtop section.

gerg · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 3:24 pm Post subject:

I like that idea Bklyn63 ! I was worried abot drilling holes in the lip and warping / bending it if the bit caught suddenly. This is good stuff, but it is flimsy.

Also - I was concerned about the look after the fact until I realized the rubber would cover it when installed.

Thanks guys!
_________________
Gerg

. . . I got 99 problems and my bus ain't one . . .

'65 Sunroof Beetle
'65 Vert
'60 Singlecab

Bklyn63 · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 3:55 pm Post subject:

get a flap disc for grinding down the welds. again harbor freight sells them 60 grit will work fine.

They are soo much better than grinding discs. they smoothen out the weld fat and even.

gerg · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 6:15 pm Post subject:

Bklyn63 · Posted: Thu Oct 07, 2004 6:53 pm Post subject:

get the flap discs for the grinder too. they come in 3 packs.

-Leo

Saggs · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 4:56 am Post subject:

GBlakeney- I went to your resto site and you're doing an awesome job with the whole procedure. I love the detail and personal comments you include with the photos. I laughed at your disgust with the cheapo aftermarket axle spacer that pushed the castle nut out. LOL!!! I know exactly what you mean, you alter parts or hack them up knowing deep down that it's not right but youre in a jam to get things done. Great job I'm looking forward to finish veiwing what you already have. I'm gonna start a full resto on a dried up 56 oval when I get my garage done, that's a story in itself.
_________________
"One man can make a difference...Jesus did."

gerg · Posted: Fri Oct 08, 2004 6:42 am Post subject:

Thanks Saggs! I have moocho content to add - just no time to get to it. Hopefully I'll put a few hours into it this weekend. I have moved onto the body work recently.
_________________
Gerg

. . . I got 99 problems and my bus ain't one . . .

'65 Sunroof Beetle
'65 Vert
'60 Singlecab

gerg · Posted: Sat Oct 09, 2004 12:13 pm Post subject:

Well I bit the bullet and got a spot welder at HF this morning. Should make life much easier.
_________________
Gerg

. . . I got 99 problems and my bus ain't one . . .

'65 Sunroof Beetle
'65 Vert
'60 Singlecab

keifernet · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 1:25 pm Post subject:

gerg · Posted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 1:43 pm Post subject:

Hahahaha - I might be asking the same question when the mortgage is due! LOL Embarassed

This thing works pretty god for a cheap tool. Kinda frustrating since it was not designed very well - but it does not require much pressue for this thin stuff. I just clamp it together with some big mouth vice grips and tack away!

I'll get some pics up when I actually put it to good use.
_________________
Gerg

. . . I got 99 problems and my bus ain't one . . .

'65 Sunroof Beetle
'65 Vert
'60 Singlecab


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