cab corner replacement

[shelby987]

Looking to replace my cab corners, this will be my first attempt at body panel replacement, which means that I need to buy some welding equipment.....can anyone point me in the right direction....mig, tig, arc......miller, lincoln, craftsmen, airco????
Would like something I can use around the house, for basic body panel replacement and maybe for boxing a frame or two down the road.

Any advice on what to get, and why would be appreciated.

[dennislbrooks]

Mig with gas .023 wire -- one that will weld to about 3/16" thick --depends on what duty you need and how much you want to spend. There are many good brands. I have a CH Mig Flux 105. 75% Argon with 25% Carbon Dioxide. Get at least a 40 lb bottle. Your welding probably will be stitch - on and off on lowest setting. Auto dimming helmets are nice.

[srv8800]

i got a 220v lincoln 175 mig welder from lowes for around $600. even if you're just doing bodywork, i would still get a 220v welder. this way, you have the option of welding thicker stuff if needed. miller and lincoln are considered the best brands. a mig welder will suite your needs perfectly.

[68cajun]

I have the 220v 175 amp Hobart, and love it. I can weld aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. Paid 600 and think it the best 600 I have ever spent.

[blazerparts]

I got a 110 Lincoln squirt gun at Home Depot. $200 I think. NR211 innershield. Pretty handy little rascal. Not for thicker stuff over 1/4".

[Huck]

My experience after taking a welding class and buying a cheapie wire feed welder is that it will blow right through the thin gauge sheet metal. You will need a wire feed with gas to prevent some of this. Practice a lot before you try it for real on your truck. BIG HINT --don't replace more sheet metal then what is shot!! Just because you get a complete cab corner you may only need to replace a smaller section. CAB CORNERS are a tough replacement because of all the curves and angles involved. I tried 3 from 3 different suppliers and not one fit perfect. In some cases you may be able to chemically stop the rust, then flush and treat with POR15 paint, then bondo over that and it will last for many years. Bondo is not a dirty word but one when properly utilized, can save lots of time and money. Just ask any good auto-body guy. You can also just spred the crap over rust which is the lazy fix and one that always comes back to bite you thus the bad rep. My .02

[shifty]

There's a great thread on welders at the top of the Auto Body forum (look at the forums list). You can glean a lot of info from it like I did. I was in the same position as you about 3 months ago.