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| | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | My idea is to weld the panels on through small holes to simulate the original spot welds. I read about this a long time ago but a search turns up all kinds of crap and nothing about welding the panels.
My question is what size holes have others used. I put 1/8" holes in but now I'm wondering if they are too small.
If you have done this, what size hole did you use? | | | | | Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 169 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2001 Posts: 169 | My air punch is about 5/16. I have cut spot welds with a 3/8 cutter and have drilled 1/4 holes. Used them all and never had a problem.
I would think that 1/8 is too small. That's the size of Clekos and I rarely ever get a good weld when "filling" those holes.
Paul | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | Thanks for the reply. I'm going to bring them up to 1/4".
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,644 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,644 | If you drill a 1/8 hole in the "bottom" piece you can use Clekos to hold the thing together. Not sure how well this would work with a MIG welder but it works like a champ with a TIG. | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | I used 1/8" clecos to hold it together while I welded the 1/4" holes. It worked nicely. Of course I boogered some very visible welds but nothing an angle grinder can't cure. | | | | | Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 453 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Apr 2006 Posts: 453 | Cletis...I did all my spot welds via a 1/4" hole. Worked good for me too. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: Oct 2001 Posts: 3,458 | If you don't care that the plug welds don't look exactly like a factory spot weld, a bigger hole is going to give you better holding power.
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