Labor Day Putting down your wrenches or time for
MORE wrenching? 
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| | | | Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 174 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 174 | Thinking about welding the two pc Gmc hood together for strength. The center strip moulding would still be used. Whats your opinion on that? | | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 10,997 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 10,997 | I think unless you just spot welded the flanges together in place of the rivets, you'd be likely to warp the hood. Too much chance of that in my mind to do more than a few spot welds.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,187 Insomniac | | Insomniac Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,187 | Yes, we welded the two halves together and eliminated the centre strip so the hood is smooth. Unfortunately, we worked too fast welding it up and warped the hood just like Kevin warned. It was a PITA to fix.
Don't just grab the MIG and run a continuous bead like you are working on a pipeline. Stitch welds with plenty of time to cool is the way to go.
Gord 🇨🇦
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1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
| | | | | Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,258 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Nov 2021 Posts: 1,258 | I learned the slow and steady on welding sheet metal this winter. Bounce all around. When you are ready to go back to the first area, stop and wait some more.
Should be able to do it. Not sure if I would have the skill yet. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 174 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 174 | Not too worried about the warping from heat, done a lot of body welding. probably would only tack it about every 6 inches, blow air on the weld right away usually works well. I already have drilled out and re-riveted the hood, seems pretty good.
Just wondering if it was worth the effort for increased hood strength or just leave it factory. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,187 Insomniac | | Insomniac Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 2,187 | Doing it for increased strength would be a waste of time, IMO.
We did it because:
-Centre strip was rusted and we didn't want to get a new one.
-Welding it up and filling the gap keeps the water and rust out.
-I like the smooth look.
Gord 🇨🇦
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1954 1/2 ton 235 4 speed
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,832 | Found some pics showing a one piece hood but main focus was on the one piece windshield which in 2007 was our first. We allow a WEEK to weld a hood but end up with only a couple of thimble fulls of filler and zero warp. This is on a 1949 3100. Like stated the article was about the windshield. Hood also has reinforcing ribs on underside. [img]https://i.postimg.cc/8smJFF4p/one-piece-windshield-002.jpg[/img]
Evan
| | | | | Joined: May 2015 Posts: 10,997 Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums | | Housekeeping (Moderator) Making a Stovebolt Bed & Paint and Body Shop Forums Joined: May 2015 Posts: 10,997 | If I really wanted a one-piece hood, I'd just buy one of them available from various vendors. I'm not as skilled as Evan's guys.
Just my opinion.
But if you want a "project" go for it. But be careful.
Kevin 1951 Chevy 3100 work truckFollow this saga in Project JournalPhotos 1929 Ford pickup restored from the ground up. | 1929 Ford Special Coupe (First car) Busting rust since the mid-60's If you're smart enough to take it apart, you darn well better be smart enough to put it back together. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 174 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Aug 2021 Posts: 174 | Good input. I like the 2 pc look, its unique. I think I will just leave it and move on to the next project,,,the chassis.. | | |
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