Welding rusted floors

What tips can you give for welding patch panels on the floors in my 51 chevy? I've cut out back to where I think is good metal, but I'm still burning through. Using a Miller Matic 140 on 110.

thanks for the help, Bill

 

clean all rust and paint away and i mean ALL on both sides

 

s***ch weld is your friend on sheet metal

 

.023 wire and back the amperage down. General "rule of thumb" is 1 amp per .001 of metal thickness.

 

how are you trying to weld it? sometimes you cant just run a bead with sheet metal. try just doing the "tack tack tack tack tack" method. it takes a bit longer but it works. also angle the weld more to the new metal more.

 

what Johnny said.

 

Are you blowing through the metal because your not into solid enough metal ? This is quite common . All metal surfaces being welded need to be clean , rust free and carefully checked for rust thinning. Learn how to make a proper plug weld . Just tacking in the panels with little zips every 1/8th or 1/4 inch will not provide adequate strength. Take the time to go to one of the welding manufacturers web sites, they usually have detailed info on proper welder set up and welding techniques.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/articles/search/

If you want , come to breakfast with the SW Chicago HAMB and Eggers tomorrow morning
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/group.php?do=discuss&discussionid=309

We have several regular attendees that reside in your area.

After breakfast I would be more than happy to show you what are the best ways to do things . My shop is a 5 minute ride from the restaurant we currently have a 50 Olds we are working on which should share many common pieces to your Chevy.