I feel that welding is one of the handiest skills to have when working on your own auto, especially when doing body work. On older cars and trucks, 1930s to 1950s that I have worked on there is always a torn fender or patch panel to weld. As your experience grows you move up to building your own trailer or repairing the one you already have. Really know your welding skill before accomplishing welding on strength members such as a trailer hitch.

 

Hi Ken, I feel confident welding thicker stuff, suspension stuff, bumpers things like that. I have never tried doing body work though. I hired my friend to fix my Bronco body up and paint it.

 

So earlier we talked about getting together when Maria and I come over to Monroe to pick up our camper. I think the best thing to do is meet before we go to the camper place. Everyone is welcome to go to the camper place with us afterwords if you want first hand look at our new camper.

Here is what I suggest: Meet at the Buzz Inn for lunch at 1200 noon on the 27th.

 

Sounds good to me. I’m in for lunch.

My view after dinner tonight. Pure zen (the beer helped)

 

dont park the tent too close.... might wake up in high tide lol

 

Hi Tim, The older auto's, pre 60's, have thicker sheet metal so welding on them is easy if you practice enough. The latest car I welded on was a 1963 Impala. Replaced one rear qtr panel and all sheet metal at rear of car. The metal is thinner but weldable if you take your time.

 

This is a picture of my 39 coupe that I built. Bought it completely disassembled and restored it to this hot rod. I took 6 years to complete.

1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe

 

very perty.... it obviously doesnt go out in the rain....

 

Ken, That is very nice! Love the color. Here is the Bronco I'm working on!

 

No, it didn't see any rain, notice no windshield wipers. It was a fun build that I spent 6 years to complete. I enjoyed determining how I wanted the build to go then shopping for the parts to use on this project. I picked the name Ken's 39er for this car when I joined Hotrodders.com. That site is loaded with info and knowledgeable people to answer questions about any part of a build. I sold the car 3 years after it was completed and had less than 800 miles on odometer. Once it was completed, the fun was done.

 

thats why i said it obviously didnt go out in the rain lol...

 

I did some welding on a 1988 Ranger body where they had put holes in it to add on trim I want to get rid of.
Copper backing works quite well for plugging up the holes. Just have to watch the heat and time. But that
copper backer sucks up heat very well. I got creative at one point as my backer was too bif to fit where I needed
it to be. I ended up using a 3/4" copper pipe cap and that did the trick. I am no where near ready to do any
frame welding yet.

 

Tim, the red that you picked is a good match for your Bronco. Looks like you are on the home stretch to completion. Yahiko, copper is a real welders helper when welding thin material. It requires more experience when welding material together that could have serious results if the weld failed like frames or trailer hitches. Welding on any steering components is a whole different liability that you need to research before striking an arc there.

 

Any thing that if it were to fail would cause an out of control vehicle or trailer is OUT OF BOUNDS for me.
The key is knowing your limits.

 

murphy follows me around like crazy... for steering parts you definitely want to be an X-ray quality welder when doing those...