Beginner would like some advice
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New User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 8
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Beginner would like some advice
Hi,
I've kept my 1963 F100 in great condition and had a great time doing it, thanks to this board, so thanks!
Now I want to try some body repair. I have big dents on both front fenders, and a small dent on the driver door. I was thinking about fixing the dents in the fenders with the weld in panels. I have never welded before, but I've always wanted to learn.
What I was wondering:
Oxy-Acetylene, or MIG? I have heard both can do the job, and that Oxy-Acetylene is earier to learn, but I will be practicing with either for some time before moving to my truck, either way.
Should I take the panels off, and reapir them off of the truck, or cut them and reapir them while still on.
Should I just forget the whole idea, and try to find good whole panels that I could just bolt on.
Any help would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Wes
I've kept my 1963 F100 in great condition and had a great time doing it, thanks to this board, so thanks!
Now I want to try some body repair. I have big dents on both front fenders, and a small dent on the driver door. I was thinking about fixing the dents in the fenders with the weld in panels. I have never welded before, but I've always wanted to learn.
What I was wondering:
Oxy-Acetylene, or MIG? I have heard both can do the job, and that Oxy-Acetylene is earier to learn, but I will be practicing with either for some time before moving to my truck, either way.
Should I take the panels off, and reapir them off of the truck, or cut them and reapir them while still on.
Should I just forget the whole idea, and try to find good whole panels that I could just bolt on.
Any help would be really appreciated.
Thanks
Wes
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
Beginner would like some advice
If you can fix the dents or don't want to bother, I'd replace the parts with good used ones. Just make sure to inspect the inside area for rust.
Welding on a patch panel to fix a dent usually ends up being more work than fixing the dent. IF you get a great weld and don't warp the panel, you still have to grind primer and fill the weld area.
Oxy welding thin metal is real tough. I bought a large oxy setup from a shop and filled some small 1/4" holes in a fender skirt and it works ok but I had to be very careful as it burns thru real easy.
If the dents aren't that bad or if good used fenders are hard to find, I'd look into learning how to use a body hammer and dolly. It's not that hard to get it close if you practice and take your time. I'd avoid the old way of drilling holes and using a screw in type dent puller. I'd remove the fender and try a smooth flat hammer working on a sandbag/shotbag type surface that has some give. Use a good pro quality filler and make the surface rough for proper adheasion.
If your thinking about aftermarket fenders, be careful, I've heard bad things about the quality and thickness of these.
Welding on a patch panel to fix a dent usually ends up being more work than fixing the dent. IF you get a great weld and don't warp the panel, you still have to grind primer and fill the weld area.
Oxy welding thin metal is real tough. I bought a large oxy setup from a shop and filled some small 1/4" holes in a fender skirt and it works ok but I had to be very careful as it burns thru real easy.
If the dents aren't that bad or if good used fenders are hard to find, I'd look into learning how to use a body hammer and dolly. It's not that hard to get it close if you practice and take your time. I'd avoid the old way of drilling holes and using a screw in type dent puller. I'd remove the fender and try a smooth flat hammer working on a sandbag/shotbag type surface that has some give. Use a good pro quality filler and make the surface rough for proper adheasion.
If your thinking about aftermarket fenders, be careful, I've heard bad things about the quality and thickness of these.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 300
Likes: 0
From: NE Missouri
Beginner would like some advice
Do you have a Vo-Tech in your area that has some evening classes in basic body work? I took one for just a few months and learned enough to fix minor dents and shoot a little paint. Patience is the key. Jumped off the cliff and painted my jeep. Doesn't look too bad for a rookie.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo USA
Beginner would like some advice
Instead of welding the patch panels ( may have a tendencey to warp them) I would suggest the 2 part metal epoxy.
It is made for automotive panel repair.
And if I didnt inhale so many paint fumes in my life, I would be able to recall the manufacture of the product.
Any good collision supply store should have it.
Just a thought, I have had great luck with it.
*****
It is made for automotive panel repair.
And if I didnt inhale so many paint fumes in my life, I would be able to recall the manufacture of the product.
Any good collision supply store should have it.
Just a thought, I have had great luck with it.
*****
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