185 replies to this topic

[alex-95]

I have a few patches to do on my mini, I have practiced using the great advice in this thread, but what is the best way to cut out the section that needs replacing and making a perfect plate to fit into the cut out section to create a butt weld. For example fitting a plate in the boot or rear quarter section.

Depending where the rust is I use either a grinder with a cutting disc, tin snips or drill and tinsnips.

For making the patch then cardboard is your freind. If the peice you have cut out is not too mangled then you can flatten it out and draw around it on the card and add bit's that have been cut/rusted off. Or cut a peice card to roughly the right size, put it where the hole is and draw around it. Then you can cut the card out and fold it if need be and fit it in, if it doesn't fit adjust it to fit, then when the card is right then you can trace it onto sheet steel and cut that out. I can try and find a few of my pictures if you like or have a flick through my project.

[megamini_jb]

Sonikk, is your welder settings in the picture on the first page set to min or max? I can't tell on mobile. Thamks

Edited by megamini_jb, 16 October 2013 - 01:09 PM.

[sonikk4]

The rocker to the left is set to 2 and the power setting is on minimum.

[sixtyeight]

I have a few patches to do on my mini, I have practiced using the great advice in this thread, but what is the best way to cut out the section that needs replacing and making a perfect plate to fit into the cut out section to create a butt weld. For example fitting a plate in the boot or rear quarter section.

 

If you need to make up a cardboard template for a section you can't get to both sides of, I press a piece of card against the hole, and run my finger firmly around the edge so it leaves an impression on the card in the shape of the hole. then cut it out.

[brad101]

a flat piece of copper is good to back pin holes with while you hit with a mig. the pool wont stick to the copper and it leaves a deacently flat back on the weld. or you can use it in many other applications.

[sonikk4]

Although not directly related to this thread it goes to show you what maybe hiding on the underside of seemingly good panels.

 

This is the old doorstep of a Mini Special. It did not look too bad to be honest just a little bit of rust on the step to sill flange

 

However on the underside is this

 

So what you think may be good and just needs a small section replacing get in there with a mirror and see the true extent of the rust.

[rodandtom]

Although not directly related to this thread it goes to show you what maybe hiding on the underside of seemingly good panels.

 

This is the old doorstep of a Mini Special. It did not look too bad to be honest just a little bit of rust on the step to sill flange

 

However on the underside is this

 

So what you think may be good and just needs a small section replacing get in there with a mirror and see the true extent of the rust.

Hi Sonikk,

 

What make is the joggler you use? I bought a Sealey one and it really doesn't make much of an impression. I am assuming I bought a naff one even though it was £50.

 

Ta

 

Rod

[sonikk4]

Rod thats a bloody good question and the answer is i don't know. i bought mine in 1989 however just nipped out to the garage and its says TAMA Made In Denmark. 

[rodandtom]

Time to google Tama then

 

To anybody looking to get some - don't buy Sealey - they are absolute rubbish - and I made sure I didn't buy the cheap ones

 

Rod

 

edit: 

 

That didn't take long - search Tama Denmark and you find these: -

 

http://www.tamatools.com/joggler.php

Edited by rodandtom, 02 February 2014 - 10:41 PM.

[KingZog]

I'm after some views on this mig welder:

http://www.amazon.co...aw/d/B0083WHLQI

Compared to the well regarded Clarke 135te for use on minis.

What do people think?

[sonikk4]

Mmm very cheap, now this may be ok but personally never heard of them.

 

User manual

http://www.rhyas.com/D/53054.pdf

 

and heres a review of it on the Mig welding forum

http://www.mig-weldi...-new-mig.38309/

[KingZog]

That's what I thought but the specs seemed similar to the Clarke but then I know very little about welders!

[sonikk4]

Its basic and it should work but as for how long it will work remains to be seen. 

 

For the money as its half the price of the clarke 135 its worth a punt. But use it as gas and not gasless.

[KingZog]

If I can't get a Clarke on eBay then may have a dabble!

[GrahamHill]

Well I would say how soon do you need a welder. Can you wait until Mid April? We will be launching our own MIG (+MMA function) for £312. 
As a non-trader I don't want to do a hard sell but just a let you know it may be worth waiting for...