Project 59 Apache "1st Build"

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by ambryatim

Kawbe....
What kind of wire are you using??? Regular solid core??
I was wondering if you ever use/used Silica Bronze AKA....Silicone Bronze wire. I heard that it is a little more forgiving then regular solid wire. What do you think???

I just use 023 regular mig wire with 75% Argon - 25% CO2 gas for patch panels. That is my personal choice I heard of people using 035 for patch panels with great success. The only specialty wire I heard of people using that is suppose to be good is something called 20 gauge. I have not tried it though, I don't like using anything that I can't run down the street and pick up if I happen to run out or be in a pinch. As much as I weld, I have to be able to run to homedepot or lowes in a pinch. I will use 025 wire (I can find that all day long) but I prefer 023 on body panels but that's just me. I think each person has to find what works for them no right or wrong just preference. Just remember this stuff is not rocket science its just practice and patience and don't make it harder than it is and you will be fine. The most important rules are patch panel fitment and to keep that metal cool.

[Fat Mike]

Kawbe I really appreciate the help. I have been welding small patch panels on the 59 and slowed down. Doing exaclty what you said and it is working much better. I am trying to add on to one of my shops so I will post some pictures soon!

[Kabwe]

Originally Posted by Fat Mike

Kawbe I really appreciate the help. I have been welding small patch panels on the 59 and slowed down. Doing exaclty what you said and it is working much better. I am trying to add on to one of my shops so I will post some pictures soon!

I'm glad to hear that, and please do post pics. I hope you don't mind that we used your thread for a little discussion on patch panels and welding.

[Fat Mike]

Hell no, I don't mind! You can use my thread anytime to post 101 classes. It has been very helpful.

[dewey777]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

I just use 0.23 regular mig wire with 75% Argon - 25% CO2 gas for patch panels. That is my personal choice I heard of people using 0.35 for patch panels with great success. The only specialty wire I heard of people using that is suppose to be good is something called 20 gauge. I have not tried it though, I don't like using anything that I can't run down the street and pick up if I happen to run out or be in a pinch. As much as I weld, I have to be able to run to homedepot or lowes in a pinch. I will use 0.25 wire (I can find that all day long) but I prefer 0.23 on body panels but that's just me. I think each person has to find what works for them no right or wrong just preference. Just remember this stuff is not rocket science its just practice and patience and don't make it harder than it is and you will be fine. The most important rules are patch panel fitment and to keep that metal cool.

Ditto, I use .023 and keep panels almost touching. I also use .030 if using butt clamps, the gap left is close to the wire size.

[jimig1]

I use the same wire and those clamps when I can they work great

[Kabwe]

dewey777

When I do use those clamps I grind the metal on one side where I will be using them the thickness of those clamps so that I can still butt the metal against each other. That way I only have to fill the area where the clamps were and I can still use my 023 wire. Just a thought.

jimig1,

You are right, they do work great. I hope you guys are not buying them from Eastwood they have them at Harbor Freight for cheap.

[dewey777]

Originally Posted by Kabwe

dewey777

When I do use those clamps I grind the metal on one side where I will be using them the thickness of those clamps so that I can still butt the metal against each other. That way I only have to fill the area where the clamps were and I can still use my 023 wire. Just a thought.

jimig1,

You are right, they do work great. I hope you guys are not buying them from Eastwood they have them at Harbor Freight for cheap.

Good idea, I will try that next time. I bought mine off ebay cheap. Can't find them local up here in Canada.

[jimig1]

Originally Posted by dewey777

Good idea, I will try that next time. I bought mine off ebay cheap. Can't find them local up here in Canada.

I bought 8 of them from harbor freight for $5

[hotrod1]

Great tips! Does Harbor Freight sell .23 wire also and tip for that size as well?

[Kabwe]

Hotrod1,

Harbor Freight does sell the 23 wire. Its okay, I use it as a backup. But I prefer the wire I get from the welding supply and I buy my tips from them also. It just seems to weld smoother. Any welding supply should be able to hook you up.

[Kabwe]

Oh Fatmike,
I forgot to ask, do you have an auto-darking welding helmet? it will make your life much easier. A hell of a lot easier. I just don't have the time, patience, or talent for the flip down helmet though it does look cool when you do it.lol

[Fat Mike]

I had a cheap helmet but then I went to buy a nice auto-darkening helmet and it makes it alot easier.

[jimig1]

I need to invest in to one of those helmets but i always find other things to spend the money on

[Fat Mike]

Me too! I just figured I better splurge because I only have one set of eyes. LOL

[hotrod1]

Hey Mike. What welding helmet did you get and are u happy?

[Fat Mike]

I am not sure where my girlfriend got it from but I am pretty sure it was just one of the local welding shops. It really does make a difference when you are trying to learn how to weld.

[Fat Mike]

Okay now that my shop is ready I'll start up on my build again. I decided that I am going to use the stock frame and will be looking for another camaro subframe or g-body subframe. Leaning toward the g-body subframe because I like the way it ties into the stock frame with out having to narrow the subframe to much like kim57. Just plate the top and bottom and can use s-10 frontend parts. I am cheap and have many of those parts and are easily available. I will have to move my cab mounts back about 6" and am not worried about anything other than the cab mounts. I have to do this because I only have about 12" in front of the front cab mount. Already have my hydrobrake assembly and will have to make a right handed braket to mount under the cab. I will be cutting the frame right behind the cab so that I have a c-notch that will tail all the way out to the rear of the frame that will be narrowed about 4"-6". Will post pictures in the next couple days.

[Kim57]

Looks like your making progress. I can't wait to be able to get something done on mine.
Kim

[Fat Mike]

Here is a picture of my truck new in 1959 with an old bicycle in the back. That is an omen that they knew I was going to collect old bicycles.


I am trying Kim57 to make progress on both projects and have been very fortunate that my girlfriend has been very understanding. Will post more pictures this evening.

[Fat Mike]

Well haven't been able to work on my truck like I thought I would, but trying to get as much done as possible. Started welding all the holes up on the frame and getting ready to box the frame in. Also removed the body mounts and I am going to box them in. I got the templates made and ready to tranfer to 16 gauge steel.

[Kim57]

Ah yes, the little time consuming things that seem to take forever. Looking good.
Kim

[Fat Mike]

Is it possible and safe to use this gas tank? It is a boat gas tank, 27 gallons, thickness is .125, and dimension are Height 8"-10" X Width 20" X L 45"? The lenght concerns me because it will over hang the frame on each side 4.5". The height will be okay because I plan on having a c-notch that starts about 18" after the last body mount and tails out straight to the end of the frame. When the frame is laid out the gas tank will stll be about 4" or more above the ground. Here is a picture of the gas tank. Tomorrow i will post pictures of how it looks on the frame.

[Fat Mike]

As you can see the tank over hangs the frame about 4"on each side. It is just inside the rear shackle mounts. Need some input!

This evening finally went very good because of the welding 101 info that Kawbe posted. Thanks again Kawbe. To all you beginners out there please start with heavier welding then work to small gauge welding. It is way easier!!!

[hotrod1]

I agree. Start with the frame (welding) and then everything from there is easy.