Weld Patch Panel - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

65GMCFirstride · 02-27-2011, 05:50 PM

I have been learning how to weld as part of the rebuild of our 65 GMC. Starting to figure some things out, but I have a long way to go.

I have welded in a few patch panels on the body and have always tack welded in different areas of the panel until I have fully welded the entire patch panel.

Unfortunately, the PO cut holes in the back interior panel to install some speakers. I am going to weld in a new patch panel. For an interior job, do you really have to tack weld the entire panel?

I figured if I tack every 1" it would hold the panel secure. Then I could skim coat the area and block sand it.

I appreciate your opinion.

tapeworm · 02-27-2011, 05:59 PM

How about just patching the speaker holes? If you are going to weld over it, I'd weld the whole thing.

65GMCFirstride · 02-27-2011, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tapeworm

How about just patching the speaker holes? If you are going to weld over it, I'd weld the whole thing.

That is what I am planning on doing. I will patch in new metal where the speaker holes are.

Surfdaddy · 02-27-2011, 06:38 PM

I would think that if you welded sections wouldn't you get warping? Since you would be applying a lot of heat to a small area? I thought it was better to tack in alternating areas to allow the metal to cool before applying more heat. I'm just asking and not giving advice since I've only done rusted out window channels and holes in doors, fenders and pannels.

65GMCFirstride · 02-27-2011, 06:48 PM

That is really what I am worried about.

I cut out a square section about 6" x 24". I will have to go slow to avoid warping the metal. I am trying to find out if I have to weld 100% of the panel or if I can tack weld about every 1".

Surfdaddy · 02-27-2011, 07:20 PM

I guess it all depends on what you want to do. Grind or fill with bondo. I'm thinking that over time unless it's fully welded the filler will crack or show the work done. I would weld it all the way around, grind, and fill. That way you know that you'll never have to go back and fix it later, or when if or when you sell the truck you won't have someone asking questions about it.

02-27-2011, 05:50 PM	#1
65GMCFirstride Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 125	Weld Patch Panel I have been learning how to weld as part of the rebuild of our 65 GMC. Starting to figure some things out, but I have a long way to go. I have welded in a few patch panels on the body and have always tack welded in different areas of the panel until I have fully welded the entire patch panel. Unfortunately, the PO cut holes in the back interior panel to install some speakers. I am going to weld in a new patch panel. For an interior job, do you really have to tack weld the entire panel? I figured if I tack every 1" it would hold the panel secure. Then I could skim coat the area and block sand it. I appreciate your opinion.

02-27-2011, 05:59 PM	#2
tapeworm fan of "Butters" Stotch Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: St. Paul, MN Posts: 267	Re: Weld Patch Panel How about just patching the speaker holes? If you are going to weld over it, I'd weld the whole thing. __________________ 64 shortbox fleetside replacing rusty junk with more junk, and one day to become a real truck again

02-27-2011, 06:38 PM	#4
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: Weld Patch Panel I would think that if you welded sections wouldn't you get warping? Since you would be applying a lot of heat to a small area? I thought it was better to tack in alternating areas to allow the metal to cool before applying more heat. I'm just asking and not giving advice since I've only done rusted out window channels and holes in doors, fenders and pannels. __________________ 1961 GMC. Start date 1/20/2011 Past projects: 1958 Fleetliner 14ft Runabout 1966 Caprice 2dr 1970 VW Squareback

02-27-2011, 06:48 PM	#5
65GMCFirstride Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 125	Re: Weld Patch Panel That is really what I am worried about. I cut out a square section about 6" x 24". I will have to go slow to avoid warping the metal. I am trying to find out if I have to weld 100% of the panel or if I can tack weld about every 1".

02-27-2011, 07:20 PM	#6
Surfdaddy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Newhall Ca. Posts: 463	Re: Weld Patch Panel I guess it all depends on what you want to do. Grind or fill with bondo. I'm thinking that over time unless it's fully welded the filler will crack or show the work done. I would weld it all the way around, grind, and fill. That way you know that you'll never have to go back and fix it later, or when if or when you sell the truck you won't have someone asking questions about it. __________________ 1961 GMC. Start date 1/20/2011 Past projects: 1958 Fleetliner 14ft Runabout 1966 Caprice 2dr 1970 VW Squareback



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