Welding driver's side bed side panel?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Southern New Hampshire
Welding driver's side bed side panel?
Hi there, recently picked up a 1995 f250 to practice body work. One of my repairs will be patching the bedside panel. I already purchased the patch. It is squared at one end and follows the curvature of the wheel arch on the other. Should be a simple process of cutting, stitch welding a doubler in and welding in the patch.....
My question.
The rot also runs very close to the gas cap doors. Can I mig weld around these safely? I drew up two conclusions. One being to pull both tanks, which I really don't want to do. The other would be to fill both gas tanks completely, and after some time, stuff the inside of the gas door compartment with rags to block any potential fumes? The gas tanks are solid so leaks won't be an issue. The filler neck is also solid. Anyone have any experience in doing a similar repair?
All of my work will be done in a properly vented garage, but I might do it outside for safety.
Thanks in advance!
-Mike
My question.
The rot also runs very close to the gas cap doors. Can I mig weld around these safely? I drew up two conclusions. One being to pull both tanks, which I really don't want to do. The other would be to fill both gas tanks completely, and after some time, stuff the inside of the gas door compartment with rags to block any potential fumes? The gas tanks are solid so leaks won't be an issue. The filler neck is also solid. Anyone have any experience in doing a similar repair?
All of my work will be done in a properly vented garage, but I might do it outside for safety.
Thanks in advance!
-Mike
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 2,338
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From: Livermore Ca.
No way would I weld next to the gas tank opening. No matter what. You could stuff a rag in there but you run the risk of a spark catching the rag on fire. The best thing would be to remove the tank. That way you will be 100% positive you wont blow up and burn down the garage or house. Safety First.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,259
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From: IL
Why not run the tanks dry, then use your air compressor and stuff an airline down the tanks until the fumes are gone, it shouldn't take more than an hour tops to clear those tanks, just remember to keep the air flowing for positive pressure while you weld in the new patch panel.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: IL
I would think if you run them dry then pump air into them for an hour plus continue to pump air while your welding it would be ok...gas evaporates pretty quickly it's the fumes that will ignite so you'd have to use your better judgment as ti if there's no more fumes being pushed out....maybe some of the other guys have a better way....the other alternative is to flood the tanks with nitrogen gas.
New User
Joined: Jan 2015
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I would strongly recommend just taking the bed off. Way safer than risking blowing yourself up and you'll have more in the garage. I'm taking autobody classes in college and that's what we do. those OBS beds are a real pain in the *** though! how's the inner wall, rot-wise?
More Turbo
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 510
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you cant use body adhesive on patch panels, only on whole bed sides. Using adhesive on a patch panel would mean there would be a seam around the out side of the patch. Theres no way of doing a butt joint. Id just pull the bed. Its 6 bolts IRC. Have a few buddies over for some beers and pizza and yank it off
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