I have a Parweld from Weldequip and a Clarke Pro 90 - on the lowest setting on the Clarke it still darkens perfectly, even if welding in funny positions where it might not get direct flashes.
It helps a lot to work out and mark up what you are going to weld up too.
Work out what takes the loading (either from looking over the car and seeing where seams stress, where there are multiple joins and potential weak points, where there are high concentrations of spot welds, and of course...
Seam welding is a tough one - my rally shell is stichwelded on pretty much every seam, with a 10 point cage (base of A, B and rear suspension, plus top of A and B pillars) and is really quite stiff.
Welding a full seam should be totally avoided as it will cause warping.
Welding in itself...
I'd have gone for a portamig, only based on the many opinions on this site though and not from actually using one.
Having said that, the Clarke Pro 90 I got (mainly doing car bodywork so decided to go "budget") has been awesome and pretty much flawless.
Mate had some cracks in his trailer...
I've welded Peugeot 205 chassis filler panels (i.e. those that go between parts of the chassis and are there to basically fill a gap).
Is there any thinner metal known to man?
I've seen MOT "welders" welding, and if I knew a car was sound would take it to a government MOT test centre.
If not I'd happily do it myself on the basis that my welding might not be great, but it's better than I have seen from "professionals" and near enough free.
BTW a Clarke pro 90 is...
I've got a little Clarke 50 and the gas regulator works perfectly.
Sounds a bit odd that it only comes out on 6?
Where abouts in Essex are you? I don't pretend to be a master welder, but don't mind giving a few pointers if you are local - plus well worth trying out a auto-shading visor as...
My point is that it has all the torque of the 8valve throughout the rev range (plus a free load of power at the top end).
My old 309 Mi16 track car had an almost flat torque curve from 3k RPM, and below that it replicated the 8 valve torque curve almost perfectly.
I know what you mean as...
I must hold my hand up as on occassions buying cheap tools.
My angle grinder is a B&Q cheapy but in fairness has done seriously well and no regrets.
On the other hand I bought a B&Q "rotary tool". A Dremel it is not and they replaced it 6 times, 1 of which burnt out, on 2 the flexible...
Peugeot 106s (Gti certainly, perhaps all phase 2 models?) use push fit.
I have no idea if the diameters are the same but sure the 106 runs 8mm or 10mm fuel hose, and you could always run a 106 Gti fuel filter with it.
If you have given a supplier two chances to repair/replace then you have the full extent of the law supporting a refund so long as within a reasonable time period.
You said yourself they are not fit for the job - the sale of goods act states if something is not fit for purpose you are...
Ta for that - I've only been doing forums I use regularily.
I don't have the time really to join more and push it - probably would if I was earning from it though ;)
I've banded this about virtually all forums I use and though even though not a car forum most likely a lot of you drive cars and might be interested.
Basically I am building a Pug 205 rallycar and start up a group buy for flexi-glass and polycarbonate windows through a company called...
Those things are harsh as you like - will strip most things off metal in seconds.
Just when they start loosing wires it gets painful!
Got through two doing the rebuild on my car which hurt the wallet a fair bit.
Oh and biggest tip is to make sure you don't catch anything in them. I...
BTW under the blue tarp on the right is another rallycar shell but that is due to go soon and donate the axle to the other - then I can finally move it and tidy
All my old clothes, books, 26 rims, 28 tyres, a 205 Gti shell, rollcage, 2 sets of doors, bonnet, tailgate, 3 sets of suspension struts, one engine, 2 gearboxes, tools, welder etc.
It looks worse than it is, because everything is in strategic piles that allow me access to work on the shell...