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dunc2027 Samba Member
Joined: May 31, 2021 Posts: 9
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 5:41 pm Post subject: Type of solder/flux? |
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I did some google-fu on soldering sheet metal, as I recently cut out my floorpans and welded in some new pieces. To fill the seams and (from my lack of skill) inevitable gaps, I would like to use solder applied with a propane torch. Most forums I browsed indicated that brazing is stronger, but requires the much higher temperatures of acetylene. MAPP is no longer made, and MAP-Pro is barely any hotter than propane, and therefore not worth the extra cost.
I would like to NOT use seam filler, because if I end up having to repair anything (busts a weld, or rusts through again, what with the salt water here) I won't have to scrape the stuff off and still have it clog up my wire wheels.
I couldn't get specific answers about what supplies I needed, so I raided Home Depot and and want to know what I should keep. I have also within the last half hour heard of Eastwood soldering materials (courtesy of this thread https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/archive/index.php/o-t--t-422444--.html), which also include a wide array of products - solder sticks, solder paste, flux-n-solder, tinning butter, etc.
Will any of these that I have work?
Also, will they (or the proper solder, if not these) help fill cheese holes? There were a few sections that would have been difficult to cut/weld, so I left in. I am limited on time, skills, space, and budget, so I hope mostly for these repairs to get me by for the next four years until I move back home and have proper resources.[/url] |
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RLFD213 Samba Member
Joined: January 21, 2009 Posts: 331
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 8:08 pm Post subject: Re: Type of solder/flux? |
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I wouldn’t use that at all. There are some things you can use but I wouldn’t use that. You can use master series and keep covering it until the pin holes are gone. In some very small areas I’ve used JB weld stick and then covered with master series. You may also be able to use a few coats of epoxy primer. |
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VW_Jimbo Samba Member
Joined: May 22, 2016 Posts: 9950 Location: Huntington Beach, CA
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Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2021 10:17 pm Post subject: Re: Type of solder/flux? |
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I brazed up a few pin holes when I was a kid. Dad had one of those cheaply, screw on bottle, type solder torch. Worked great! _________________ Jimbo
There is never enough time to do it right the first time, but all the time necessary the second time!
TDCTDI wrote: |
Basically, a whole bunch of fuckery to achieve a look. |
67rustavenger wrote: |
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo! |
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bomberbob Samba Member
Joined: May 17, 2015 Posts: 688 Location: Iowa
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Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2021 6:42 am Post subject: Re: Type of solder/flux? |
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Post photos of what you want to try and close up with solder. I am interested in both the location, and the width of the gap you are trying to bridge. _________________ 1968 Beetle (storage)
1990 Jetta GLI megasquirted, burning E85 (currently in heavy maintenance)
2004 Jetta turbo GLI
Marion, Iowa |
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Bulli Klinik Samba Member
Joined: January 16, 2005 Posts: 2077 Location: Bulli Klinik, Colorado Springs
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Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2021 8:12 am Post subject: Re: Type of solder/flux? |
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The solder you are posting is acid core and it won't work. Well, it will work if you don't mind it bleeding through your paint and continuing to rust underneath. The other products are likely acid which doesn't contain the lead you need to tin the surface.
You are going to need lead sticks and a lead flux in order to do what you intend. The process is to tin the clean, rust-free surface. Wash off all the flux-acid with a blend of very hot water and a neutralizer (baking soda), then apply body solder (lead) to the area with a paddle lubricated in tallow. Wash again, wipe it down with acetone to remove any tallow which floated to the surface, then body file.
Can you use the products you have? I met a guy once who was very impressed with himself at the fact that he 'welded' aluminum to steel... _________________ I've never met a Bus I didn't like.
Mike K
Bulli Klinik
Colorado Springs |
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esde Samba Member
Joined: October 20, 2007 Posts: 5967 Location: central rust belt
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Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2021 12:18 pm Post subject: Re: Type of solder/flux? |
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seam sealer. _________________ modok wrote:
Bent cranks are silent but gather no moss. I mean, ah, something like that. |
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orwell84 Samba Member
Joined: May 14, 2007 Posts: 2536 Location: Plattsburgh, New York
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2021 11:18 am Post subject: Re: Type of solder/flux? |
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I still get pin holes no matter how carefully I weld. If they bother you, shine a light behind your welds to find them, then mark them with a sharpie, weld them up and grind them flat. It’s tedious but probably easier than messing with body solder. Coat with master series, seam seal if you like and top coat. You can back up your welding with copper if you are worried about burning through. |
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viiking Samba Member
Joined: May 10, 2013 Posts: 2667 Location: Sydney Australia
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Posted: Mon Jun 07, 2021 4:37 pm Post subject: Re: Type of solder/flux? |
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^^^^ This.
Just keep practising with the welding. I think everyone has these pin holes when they first start. I did.
Just do the light trick and zap each one of those pinholes for a second. Repeat until there are none left. It will be quicker and probably cheaper than looking for alternatives and your welding will get better from more practice. _________________ 1968 1500 RHD Lotus White Beetle since birth. In the hospital for major surgery
1966 Lancia Flavia Pininfarina Coupe - in the waiting room
Discharged: 1983 Vanagon, 1974 1800 Microbus,1968 Low Light,1968 Type 3 |
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