Technical Welding on patch panels

I'd like to thank the OP for starting this thread. Once again I'm learning something. If I were to attempt to do body work with my skills, it wouldn't be pretty. But, I want the end result to be the best possible. That's why I'm drawn here, to learn the right way to do things. As has been said "if it's not worth doing right, is it worth doing at all. Again thanks for the education. Dave.

 

My '66 Ford Custom 500 had horizontal laps from quarter to roof, just below the rear window, one on either side of it. There was a fair amount of factory filler over those laps BTW.

 

Something like this ?
It's a mustang put just for the visual .
Yes that's below the windows I suppose, but not by very much

Close only counts in horse shoes, hand grenades and sex sometimes. But if it were lap welds below the windows too,,,,,,,,,,,

 

No, they lay flat on the top of the QP, at about 45 degrees, pointing to each upper corner of the deck lid.

 

So that was the seam for the panel above the decklid and below the window to quarters? That panel is usually kinda square not trapezoidal

So another 1/2 to get above the windows ?

 

HL - if you're able to, spend the $50 or so and get hold of David Gardiner's (Mindover on here) DVD - Bodywork Restoration Tutorial, from metalshapingzone.com - It will open your eyes to how simple it really is to get good results without resorting to 'hack' methods, or needing to buy expensive equipment. Best money I ever spent on metal shaping......
(He has some clips on YouTube too)

31Vicky, I think you'll find you know already - in 2008 I spent three days with Wray Schelin. Half the first day shaping a panel, the next two and a half taking it to a point where even high build primer wasn't needed. Since then I've only had to do that twice (both items that were plated), most jobs cannot justify the time needed. But in the end all it was, was taking what I already knew about working out highs and lows, and refining it down tighter and tighter. He didn't really teach me new skills, just the confidence to take what I already knew and refine it....
(I guess that qualifies as chest-beating...... ;-) )

 

Disgraceful chest beating my friend.

 

I would say that this is all I need to know! Settles the debate for me!

I'd audition to work here if I moved to Denver... I know I'd get schooled day one and I've been tig welding for 15+ years.


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Earl Shieb paint jobs are good enough for some people.

 

Don't start
Earl didnt paint too bad but his prep was for shit. If you did the prep nice you could roll out of earls's place looking pretty. Those gun guys could lay the paint out real nice. Right into their DA scratches, over their green putty, and smoking hot bondo, Or over your blocked surface

Anybody who's ever laid down a nice paint job will tell you its all in the prep. The cost, the labor, the look is all in the prep. Once the paint is in the gun its " over" quick and minus the materials, its the cheapest phase labor wise.

 

Maybe I was not looking at a factory seam? Also, that car had may have been patched before I got it from the junkyard. Lordy, it was 1971, so I'm struggling to remember.

Yeah barely. There was a 1" "chrome" belt which covered pinchweld & gasket, then glass.

 

And exactly what do you know about me? It appears not much.
Contrary to popular belief, my customers know exactly what they are getting. I inform them of the different processes. I also tell them which process they will be getting from me. I take the time to show them what the different outcomes will be, nothing here is done with out an educated customer. They know what they are getting and what it is going to cost them. I do not run a body shop, and I do not paint cars (other then my own, which I'm a hack at as well.)

Maybe you should come to this little town and set up shop. I'll send everyone that doesn't want it hacked to you, in fact, I'll send every one that wants panel work done to you. I'm the only shop in town that completely welds around the panels, everyone else just tacks & muds. There are other things I would rather be doing, I started repairing panels because no one else was. I'm a hack when it comes to welding panels on, I know it, and so do my customers. But the implication is that any process other then butt welding is somehow not going to last or survive is bull. I've been in this game long enough to see replacement panels rust out before lap welds have. Even 31Vicky first hack job lasted 30 years, according to him.
No chest thumping required. Gene

 

Where did I say that ?
First hack job lasting 30 years

If nothing changes, then nothing changes.

 

Just to keep you cranked up the 60's Chrysler Imperials had lap seams on the front fender right at the front point of them. I know for sure because replacement fenders came with them just spot welded and we had to shape and fit lead to smooth out the joints. That is how I learned to work with lead.

 

Thanks loudbang, for keeping the cranking momentum. Now I figured once dropped the ball and I said I couldn't think of any y'all would pick it up and run. Great job.

 

I've learned more in two years of sharing here, then any course could possibly teach. I appreciate all, and every detail from everyone kind enough to post....and go thru the effort of sharing pictures and opinion.

Sounds like you can appreciate the "right" way to do things, as well as acknowledgement.....that you are wishful in picking up additional skills to further your own endeavors....whether personal or professional. Although, I don't totally understand the tone....I can appreciate one's right to protect what you may think is just A okay. No worries man. If it works for you....go with it. I still appreciate your thoughts on it.

The point is....I, and others...as well as the OP....choose to delve into what would be deemed correct, and not just acceptable. Opinions matter not, when exposed to the elements and time.....the proof is always in the details.

For one to not enjoy their vehicle fully....parked in a garage....with maybe an okay paint job....versus one whom may enjoy a show finish and the advent of countless, many miles traveled.....the right way to weld a patch panel may very well be worth the read......

.....but like you.....it's just my opinion.

 

I'm going to try lead on a couple of places on the drivers side cowl. My uncle leaded seams at Studebaker in the 50 s and I'm hoping I have that gene in me.

 

There are times when it's appropriate to do a less involved repair. Some guys are building showboats, and some are building drivers, and some are building to race. Some are well-heeled and some are on a shoestring.

A different approach to things is appropriate in each case.

 

Indeed, brother Ulu. As it was in 1952 it remains today.

I think this subject has been bludgeoned enough; build what you want and to your level of expertise; post (here) if applicable (to this website).