buying tools

[Porkchop]

I have a 69 chevy and it is very very rusty. I found that there is no way I am throwing my shiney rebuilt engine into a rusty truck. So, I really need a way to weld. I have an oxy-acetyline torch that is very handy for cutting rusted bolts and stuff. I would like to be able to weld though also. I know it is possible to weld with this torch set up, but will it work for the body panels for my truck. I am not a profesional and have neverwelded with this torch. I hear it is tough, but do you guys think that if I read up on it I could teach myself to weld? If it would be too hard to weld with this torch, what would be the cheapest welding setup that I could buy that would work for what I need it to do?
thank you all very much
brad

[67cst]

its possible to weld with a torch but the body is pretty thin, i bet you would blow some holes in it, i think youd be better off with a mig welder

[griesel72]

one of the first restorations i did, a 73 chevy, i used a torch to weld floor pans, rocker panels, cab corners and patch panels into the truck

it wasn't that hard, but definately took longer than with a mig welder.

i used baleing wire and it turned out great, you do have to watch the heat from your torch, but you are going to weld new parts in anyhow, they are pretty good quality.

one thing to think about, it isn't really the quality of welds, it is the quality of grinding/filling you do. If this is the only truck you will do, it isn't worth buying a welder

good luck

david

[ChrisK10]

I don't know if it would be the best idea to try to weld on your truck using a torch method especially since you are a beginner (from what I understand). I had to do some oxy-acetylene welding in a metals class last year in HS, and I could never get the hang of it. I don't really know what would be the best setup, but good luck!


-Chris

[Class of 69]

You will need to use the smallest tip you have, or can get for the torch. Then buy, or borrow some 18 gauge sheet metal, and practice till your comfortable with the result. Then go to work! Lots of body work been done with a oxy-actylene set up. They are, after all, a welder too!

[progress]

Go to your local welding shop and purchase a 000 tip. You will have to adjust your torch pressure way down for the thin metals. Victor has a manual/pamplet on pressures for various thickness and tip size. The welding shop may have a pamphlet on oxy-acetylene welding. Practice on some scrap sheet metal. You will do fine. I use my oxy-acetylene on the really thin material that is too thin for my MIG. It works great. Make sure you follow the same procedures for short welds and cool with water to prevent warping.

[Porkchop]

Its good to hear that some of you have used the oxy-acetyline torch for welding. I am anxious to get practicing. Boy am I glad I don't have to buy a whole different welder(that is if I do get the hang of it with my torch ) Thanks alot guys
brad

[oldsub86]

For body panel work you may be able to get by with brazing and that requires less heat. It should be easier to control and cause you less problems. Strength is not usually an issue with sheet metal work and the brazing should be plenty strong enough to hold the truck together.

[Mike C]

Brazing is stronger than the base metal in many cases, but it does not take paint very well. I brazed the rockers in my Jimmy successfully, but wouldn't do it with exposed sheet metal.

[ksucatz]

I have used Oxy/Accetelyene, Mig, and Tig.

They all work but require different techniques. I was lucky, and the local comunity college offers an automotive restoration class. The teacher for this class has had many, many years of experience. He learned on the torch, and still prefers it. Old habits are hard to break!! Defnitely practice, but the results are very good. It is actually easier to fill with the torch. Good luck