8 replies to this topic

[nlelefnia]

After having my 1999 Rover Mini off the road for a while I've noticed some rust worsening. From what I've read on other posts the cost of getting welding done professionally is rather high therefore I'm thinking of trying it myself. 

 

Here are some images of the rust I have to deal with:

https://imgur.com/a/XQ9lWVI

 

I guess my question is are these areas a complex place for me to start welding on a car. Obviously before tackling the mini I'd practice off the car but if these areas require lots of experience then I'll re-consider getting it done professionally. 

 

Most recommendations on here point towards the Clarke 135TE, would you agree this is a good MIG for the job?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Avtovaz]

blackline welder from rally design are properly good. comes with a 4m euro tourch, and is £234

 

 

https://www.ebay.co....3IAAOSwMmBV3ywd

 

 

the clarke one is in the dark compaired

[slidehammer]

It is a hard question for anyone to answer, as only you know you personal abilities. If you have experience working with your hands then I would say give it a go. But if you don't and you have to buy all the equipment to do the job before you have even start buying panels it will make it expensive. The problem with rust is once you start digging you always find far more than you originally thought was there. If there is a problem with the heal board (hard to see from the picture) that can be a fiddly repair. You could start by trying to repair one of the doors and if you are happy with your work move onto other parts of the car. Good luck whatever way you decide to go.

[RustyAutoCityE]

I decided it was time to learn MIG when I found holes in the boot floor.

 

Having in the past employed the services of a local mobile welder to do small patches (on a differnt car) for around £80 a time, the initial outlay for the equipment doesn't seem so bad.

 

I would say if you have the time, space and commitment to go for it, it is a good skill to have.

[nlelefnia]

blackline welder from rally design are properly good. comes with a 4m euro tourch, and is £234

 

 

https://www.ebay.co....3IAAOSwMmBV3ywd

 

 

the clarke one is in the dark compaired

Thanks for this recommendation, seems very good value for money!

 

Completely agree welding would be a great skill to have. I think if I'm going to commit to learning then now is the best time, as there is a fair bit to do I'll definitely get return on investment.

 

I think my next step will be grinding the effected areas back to bare metal so I can properly assess the damage.

 

Thanks for the help.

Edited by nlelefnia, 05 July 2020 - 09:50 PM.

[Ethel]

Hoping the 32A plug in that advert is an error. 16A perhaps

[sonikk4]

Hoping the 32A plug in that advert is an error. 16A perhaps

Was going to say the same thing, I would expect 16amp.

[nlelefnia]

Hi everyone,

 

Quick question on my front panel repairs, as the rust is only on one corner I'm leaning towards getting a repair panel for it. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these? are they a good fit? seems a shame replacing the whole panel when only a small proportion is effected.

 

Thanks!

[sonikk4]

 

Hi everyone,

 

Quick question on my front panel repairs, as the rust is only on one corner I'm leaning towards getting a repair panel for it. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with these? are they a good fit? seems a shame replacing the whole panel when only a small proportion is effected.

 

Thanks!

 

 

Never used the repair section, but as they are a pressing off the full front panel then they should work, but expect to do some tweaking etc to get a good fit.

 

Now normally i would not bother and just go for a full front panel but whats the other side like??? and signs of rust at all??? if there is then rather than messing around with end pieces change the whole front panel. If the isn't then changing the the one end if justifiable. Also kinder to your pocket.

 

You have a lot of work on the other areas, door repair and reskin and doorstep / sill replacement.

 

As we always say on here, what you see rust wise is like the tip of an iceberg. There is always more lurking below.