Sorry for the newbie type question, but I'm getting ready to replace the floor pans and cab mounts in my '76 F250 and I've run into a bit of a dilemma from a welding standpoint.

I am new to welding and don't own any equipment. I have access to a stick welder (I know that's out for sheet metal) and an oxy setup. That said, I think that the oxy setup in question has been used primarily for cutting/brazing, so I can't say that the welding torch that's available has the appropriate tips, etc.

Long and short, I figure I may need to buy a new oxy torch with the appropriate tips, etc. If I'm going to need to invest some money into some equipment, am I better off getting a small mig welder and taking that route? I see the Lincoln Handy Mig is about $300 and can use shielding gas.

Just wondering what all the more experienced folks think is best for welding up sheet metal.

Thanks in advance!

Rick

 

I think a "good/better" MIG will be easier to use, just make sure the welder has feed and amp adjustment features. Shielding gas will help keep the welds clean, so if you can get a welder with a gas attachment you should be good to go.
Don't forget all your personal protection equipment.

This is just some info, I am sure you will get plenty of input on this topic.

 

IMHO,

Oxy/Acet Welder- For sheet metal repairs, the mig is quicker but, the torch can provide excellent results as well...I would also recommend looking at using the torch to spot weld the panels in, then braze the remaining areas- lower heat, less welding. Also look into automotive panel (fender) adhesive. Incredibly strong and may suffice in place of floor pan welding.

Cab mounts- check with frame shop or dealer, in the late 70's or 80's (CRS) Ford produced frames that you cannot weld on...they will fail if heat is applied....

Jeff

 

I have to say I agree with both replies. The mig is fast and will cause much less collateral damage but you need more preperation done on the work piece. Is the "oxy" setup oxy/acetalene or oxy/propane. The latter can be used for cutting (with a cutting torch) and brazing but for welding you need oxy/acet.

 

For a floor pan you can use what ever you have that will work ,,,body panels need a Mig welder ...( unless you have an abundance of body filler to get rid of)....

 

Migs don't transfer near as much heat as does O-A. You can tack panels with mig and go back and fill and never warp a panel. With an O-A you'll get lots of warpage so you have to go back to shrink, do hammer and dolly work and more.
Of course you still need an O-A set up, for heating, bending, cutting and welding thicker than 3/8". A good shop has both. Which to get first on a budget? Depends on what you're doing...panel replacement? Mig. Frame work? O-A.

 

Thanks for the information.

I'm not in a big rush on this project as I still have some months before the truck is to become my daily driver. After reading the comments here and doing some research, I think I'd be best served by purchasing a MIG setup.

As I mentioned, I have access to a stick setup and an oxy/acetylene setup, so the MIG should suit me for now. I can borrow equipment to cover anything heavier than body work.

Now onto MIG selection. Are the 110V units worth buying. I can accommodate 220 if needed, but it seems that Lincoln and Hobart both make some affordable 110 units that seem to be up to the task of sheet metal welding. Seems that if I need to weld anything heavier, I'm better off going the stick route anyway.

Thoughts on the 110V MIGs?

 

I have a 90 amp 110 miller sidekick, that is well suited for sheet metal ...I couldn't get by without it ...Stitch welds like a dream ,,O warpage with the proper technique..

 

The new Miller Millermatic 140 is 110v, but can be set up to use their new Spoolmate which can give you the ability to weld aluminum, but the Dynasty line of inverter TIGs are top of the line - also 3000 dollars plus though!

 

Even a CHEAP 110V unit does a decent job nowadays - if you know what you're doing! It all depends on how much welding you're gonna do and how much you like to spend on stuff. I'm a cheapo but want a well-equiped shop, so I have a cheap 110 mig becuase it works, but bought a BendPak lift cause it has to support a car over my head!