I've taken a welding course at a local tech school. They tought me stick tig and mig. We even covered some metalology.
Common sense is your best friend when working on these old trucks especially when welding.
But for mild steel (patch panels, etc.) I tac weld with a welders helmet and make sure the area's well ventalated.
This is all you need to work on your rig. Now if your setting up shop to weld heavy metals, zinc, galvanized etc. more precation needs to be taken. Not to mention training.
Just my 2 cents.
HC
