Thread: shaving tailgate problem

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ok i have my patch made and the tail gate is ready but my welder wont lay down a good tack weld (this is my 4th patch), is there a way i could maybe put in a couple of pop rivets in and still have a clean flush surfacr after some bondo?

drill your holes for the rivit- hold a small piece of brass on the backside of the hole and hit it one time with your mig.

huh sorry i dont get what you mean lol

What kind of welder, and why won't it tack?

idk what kind it is and its a POS welder and the inner line thing is shot

There is the problem, because steel should weld to steel if the mating surfaces are clean and you have just a slight gap.

Good tools are expensive, but really make the job easier, better, and safer.

I just asked my Son what you have to spend for a hobby-level mig, and he feels something like a Hobart 135 can be bought, reconditioned, for about $300 on Ebay. I asked him about something from Harbor Freight, and he feels they are not very good values.

I have struggled in the past using some piece of equiptment that was not good, and the job gets really frustrating. I have also been on a budget, where $300 seems like a million, but I think if you save up to get yourself a decent welder, you will be amazed how nice your work will come out, and how many neat little parts you will weld together to make your rod different.

I've laid on a bare garage floor (or out in the driveway) working under a car with some tool that was a POS, and it really takes the fun out of it, so I really appreciate all of the tools we have built up over the years.

You could probably recoup some of your money by welding things for your hot rod buddies at $ 20.00 a pop. Just a thought.

I got a Weld Pak 100HD, and I love it. Welded 1/4' iron the other day. Did not fully penetrate after multiple passes, but it put it together good enough not to break :P For any automotive purpose though, it will do perfect, and can be converted to MIG easily.

BTW, a brand new unit comes with unquestionable quality.

Something else, I don't know how informed you are on welding, so don't be offended by this question. Have you made sure both surfaces were completely clean
(including paint removed)? Have you ensured that the connection between metal and GRND is 100% uncompromised?

I agree Itoldyouso, the proper tool and equipment helps to keep working on your rod fun and easier. I thank God for my tools and machines. I would help anyone out I could that don't have some of the equipment I have, because I known how long I had to work to get what I have.

HAVE TRIED OXYGEN AND ACETALENE, GAS WELDING. WITH A SMALL BRAZING HEAD.

wow thanks guys, i know i need a good welder and i do plan on buying one but for right now im experimenting with body work and stuff and this is temporary until i decide to paint my truck

I'm a terrible welder. My welds hold, but look bad, so before my Son became the great mig welder he has become, I would tack stuff and take it to the local welding shop and have them do the final neat welding. That way I knew it was safe and done properly.

Now I have him to do it for me, but some day I've got to learn to do it well myself.

You've got the right attitude. Keep after it and you'll get it done. (or is that git 'er done?)

haha i think for now im just going to bondo it in lol. it will only be like that for like a month then im doing some more bodywork

If you hold brass behind the hole and hit it with the welding stinger it will melt the brass in the hole just as pretty as you please.
Just don't hold it with your finger.

ahhhh now i get it lol thanks