Technical Lap Weld Panels Spot Welding Tip

I did a number of spot welds spaced down a new quarter panel lap weld. I've seen some people leave the spacing of spot welds around what I have here in the photo, should I do another p*** before doing body filler? Would there be any issues of metal expanding and retracting with these spot welds in typical summer weather, cracking paint or filler?

 

It needs to be welded solid or the filler will eventually fail.

 

Needs to be welded solid.

 

I have spot welded panels before with the spot welds about an inch apart. But when I do that I apply seam sealer or Butyl calking to seal the seam before applying filler. The advantage of this method is it is quick, you don't warp or distort the panel and the filler will stay in there perfect as long as the seam is sealed.

For all those critics who never worked in a body shop, I know this is not how you do a $100,000 restoration and I don't care.

 

Thanks guys, I thought so. I'll make some more p***es and get it as solid as I can. Full quarters are a ton of work!

 

If you think full lap welds are tough, try doing full **** welds! I've gotten pretty good at it, but it takes some patience.

 

As solid as I can isn't good enough. If there is a gap or even a pinhole there is danger that water and rust will come through lifting the filler. If you weld the seam solid grind smooth and get down with a trouble light and inspect from inches away, and weld up any gaps.