MIG Welding Automotive Sheetmetal This clip from howtoASAP.com is from a 52 minute video featuring nationally recognized automotive builder, Craig Hopkins. Whether you are a novice or a professional, this video will help you get professional results as you learn the tricks to welding automotive sheet metal. Muscle cars, classic cars or trucks use the same welding techniques. Save yourself money and do it yourself or see what your builder should be doing!
#1 by lekolite1 on December 19, 2011 - 3:42 am
the uphill or downhill debate is really about stick welding; with hi deposition rods like 7018 it’s very hard to stay ahead and not trap slag. With Mig whatever way works best for you is fine.
#2 by ClantonBrothers on December 19, 2011 - 4:21 am
@MultiShadow1969 Thanks for the reply. I went ahead and got a gas machine, and I’m making okay beads. My dad told me to do short beads and let them cool to prevent warping. Seems to work fine. I just jump around to several patches I’m working on and do a little at a time.
#3 by MultiShadow1969 on December 19, 2011 - 5:03 am
@ClantonBrothers Sorry, did not see your comment. Flux welding is not recommended for sheet metal since it transfers by throwing globs of weld down (globular) and is extremely hot. 75/25% mix of Argon/CO2 gas mix is usually used.
Unfortunately, if you truly want to learn to weld on sheet metal without warping, there is no way around spending the big bucks to get a nice welder that has complete control over the heat. That, and using aluminum or copper heat sinks.
#4 by BayouBluesMan on December 19, 2011 - 5:07 am
that guy has tecnique , he welds as good as me
#5 by cs51762 on December 19, 2011 - 5:42 am
@ClantonBrothers
There’s an old saying that goes “Ignorance is bliss”. I guess that would make you “ecstatic”.
#6 by CheuchtarLogic on December 19, 2011 - 6:33 am
This guy seems to know what he’s doing. He’s pushing the weld to ensure the gas is pushed onto the pool. Maybe going uphill does indeed help to ensure the pool penetrates rather than flows away but push welding is always best for full gas enclosure.
#7 by ClantonBrothers on December 19, 2011 - 7:27 am
@MultiShadow1969 Okay that makes sense, but I have a new dilemma. I’m determined to become a good welder. Up until now I’ve just dabbled in it. Should I get a machine that is gas capable, or would flux-core feed be good enough? I want to do work on my truck, which is old and has thick gauge metal. HomeDepot has a nice little Lincoln setup for $269, but it is not gas capable. Do I need that capability? Will it adversely affect weld integrity not to have gas sheilding?
#8 by MultiShadow1969 on December 19, 2011 - 7:45 am
@MrSmackhappy.. The technique depend on the car manufacturer instructions and whether or not the weld is structural or cosmetic.
#9 by MultiShadow1969 on December 19, 2011 - 7:52 am
@eastyg The metal will always warp. The only other alternative is waiting 20 minutes for it to cool on its own before you continue, or just weld a continuous bead and warp the entire area. Using air too cool it keeps the warping down to a minimum around the weld area.
#10 by MultiShadow1969 on December 19, 2011 - 8:39 am
@ClantonBrothers… He welds upwards for better penetration, since when welding downwards, gravity tends to pull the puddle down before it fuses the metal properly. This technique is usually used on thicker metals, but can be used on thinner metals if you are skilled enough.
#11 by 21lausa on December 19, 2011 - 9:07 am
that is overhead position,, men, dont waste you time,, telling wrong to others
#12 by ClantonBrothers on December 19, 2011 - 9:15 am
I’m a beginner welder, but my gut tells me you are a bad teacher. Why would you weld upwards? and pushing the bead? that seems very wrong. I’m steering clear of you and your vids.
#13 by technocar1 on December 19, 2011 - 10:09 am
thak u man
#14 by W0mpa on December 19, 2011 - 10:55 am
Great, now im ready for my Typ 2 van!
#15 by TK42138 on December 19, 2011 - 11:50 am
Superb video.
#16 by GTXfj5 on December 19, 2011 - 12:18 pm
@eastyg I just looked up this guys other sample for is video, “installing and hand forming patch panels”. If you watch that video, about 4/5ths of the way thru – he shows blow air over his work and a video tag says “cool your welds to control warping”. video segment its on a web site that sells 3 of his videos.
#17 by eastyg on December 19, 2011 - 12:25 pm
@GTXfj5 thing is, the steel warps as it cools, so doing that will only make it warp faster. Unless of course he’s not letting it get hot enough to warp in the first place.
#18 by reaperwayne on December 19, 2011 - 1:14 pm
@milcua Thanks hadn’t considered that lol
#19 by milcua on December 19, 2011 - 1:43 pm
@reaperwayne so you can see how the tip moves on camera. I’m sure he normally doesn’t stick it out that far..
#20 by reaperwayne on December 19, 2011 - 2:27 pm
why is the tip stuck out past the shroud ?
#21 by malkooth on December 19, 2011 - 3:08 pm
Thanks Craig. Nice Camaro you’re working on there.
#22 by Alientraveler003 on December 19, 2011 - 3:33 pm
your the fuckin man
#23 by glblb3030 on December 19, 2011 - 4:10 pm
nice tip
#24 by MrSmackhappy on December 19, 2011 - 4:36 pm
@GTXfj5 he would have to be cooling it the instant the metal became molten for the air to stop the piece from warping the moment you start welding the parent metal reacts with the new metal fusion and slightly pulls no matter what you do. rapid cooling of the weld is usually not a good thing and although not crucial in this application it can cause the new metals not to bond right and can fail you for certification type weld on thicker material.
#25 by fmn716 on December 19, 2011 - 5:12 pm
Thanks really informative