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1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
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Argon conversion cloud 9!

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Old Oct 19, 2022 | 07:28 PM
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Argon conversion cloud 9!

So, after using a straight wire feed for 20 years, I bought the conversion kit to go MIG, bought an argon/c02 tank, and Lord have mercy! Wow, what a difference. I'm loving it.
I know this is not about the dentsides, but you can't REALLY work on these trucks w/o a good welder. I have a gas set-up, an arc welder, and now a mig set-up, and they each have their speciallity. It's interesting. What I'm finding is that as I bring the truck into a modern era, I need modern tech tools to facilitate the process.
 
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Old Oct 19, 2022 | 07:37 PM
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Yep, MIG!!!!!! I love my stick welders, and I used to do scratch start TIG off stick machines. Then a few years ago I bought a proper high frequency TIG machine, and that helped in the shop. But when I finally pulled the trigger on the MIG, that was a real game changer. It opens up a lot of doors for projects.
 
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Old Oct 20, 2022 | 07:17 AM
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Originally Posted by F-250 restorer
So, after using a straight wire feed for 20 years, I bought the conversion kit to go MIG, bought an argon/c02 tank, and Lord have mercy! Wow, what a difference. I'm loving it.
I know this is not about the dentsides, but you can't REALLY work on these trucks w/o a good welder. I have a gas set-up, an arc welder, and now a mig set-up, and they each have their speciallity. It's interesting. What I'm finding is that as I bring the truck into a modern era, I need modern tech tools to facilitate the process.
If your just going to weld steel you can use straight co2, it's a lot cheaper.
 
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Old Oct 20, 2022 | 09:42 AM
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10 4 on all the above.
I love MIG welding with the Argon mix gas, just the smell on your hands if you are not wearing gloves takes some getting used to...LOL
 
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Old Oct 20, 2022 | 11:11 AM
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Originally Posted by mark a.
If your just going to weld steel you can use straight co2, it's a lot cheaper.
Thanks for the tip. The tank I bought was full of the argon/co2 mix, so that's what I'm using now. If I ever run out, I'll keep your tip in mind. BTW, Being a newbie, I didn't know where to set the gas pressure/amount. I tried 15 (is it lbs?) , but 30 made a nice clean weld, so I stayed with that. Recommendations?
Thanks. Now I'm ready to splice in a small replacement section inside the passenger door jam. From what I've seen on youtube, you just tack welds one after another, right?

Also, I notice that I am missing a dividing piece between driver's fender and cab body. Anyone know which piece I need to close that gap? Thanks.
 
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Old Oct 20, 2022 | 02:31 PM
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Originally Posted by mark a.
If your just going to weld steel you can use straight co2, it's a lot cheaper.
I went from Flux core to Co2 on the sheet metal on my drag car and the welds were night & day.
When I got my truck I went with a Argon mix and again night & day between welds.
I still have the Co2 and will use it as a back up because you know when you are in the middle of a welding job is when the Argon mix will run out.

One day I will get a TIG setup but it would be just to have as I dont weld all the time.
Dave ----
 
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Old Oct 20, 2022 | 04:52 PM
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I have mig with gas but I have to weld outdoors so I end up just using flux core. We have so much wind in Las Vegas that it wasn't worth switching back and forth. I will say welding with gas is a dream compared to using flux core.
 
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Old Oct 20, 2022 | 05:42 PM
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I prefer flux core to mig for sheet metal; lays down flat less grinding. No love for mig, I have everything else at home.
 
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Old Oct 21, 2022 | 02:24 PM
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Originally Posted by nairod
I have mig with gas but I have to weld outdoors so I end up just using flux core. We have so much wind in Las Vegas that it wasn't worth switching back and forth. I will say welding with gas is a dream compared to using flux core.
Yes flux core for outside and the only time I will use the small roll I have just for that.
I even have to turn off the shop fan when it is 100*f in the garage just to weld. And yes I wear a welding jacket & gloves with the helmet.

Originally Posted by ivsamhain
I prefer flux core to mig for sheet metal; lays down flat less grinding. No love for mig, I have everything else at home.
How do you find wire thin enough in flux core for sheet metal?
The clean up from splatter is also not worth the flux core wire on sheet metal in my book.
Dave ----
 
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Old Oct 21, 2022 | 02:45 PM
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Originally Posted by FuzzFace2
Yes flux core for outside and the only time I will use the small roll I have just for that.
I even have to turn off the shop fan when it is 100*f in the garage just to weld. And yes I wear a welding jacket & gloves with the helmet.


How do you find wire thin enough in flux core for sheet metal?
The clean up from splatter is also not worth the flux core wire on sheet metal in my book.
Dave ----
.030 fluxcore is at about any hardware store? I run 5/64 at work, that’s a bit harder to come by. Compared to .030 solid core you are laying down way less metal. If I’m doing sheet metal it’s butt weld and grind flush so spatter isn’t a big deal, the majority of it falls off with a sharp scraper any how. You can use anti spatter spray or protect the area otherwise if a task calls for it.
 
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