Can 1.5mm zintec be bent by hand

[demented]

Have an area on a car body that is very awkward to get into.

The repair piece requires a certain amount of bending and manipulation to fit into place and also bending and moulding by hand to tack and weld into place.

I had initially planned to use a 1mm thick galvanised steel piece but due to the addition cost to prep for painting and issues regarding toxic fumes, I've decided against this.

However, I've been offered 1.5mm Zintec steel and I'm wondering how pliable/flexible steel of this thickness would be compared to the 1mm galvanised steel.

The 1mm Galvanised steel is very rigid and has enough flexibility to be bent by hand into position and bent into shape.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Bending by hand alone will take a bit of doing, especially on smaller flanged bends...if you mean by hand only and no bashing help

Placing it between 2 strong lengths of angle and gradually working it over with a good mallet will give you a better chance, and of course if you can heat it up then it will bend with ease.

 

[demented]

Thanks for the prompt reply,

Maybe the use of the term bend was the wrong expression ?

I don't need to form rigid 90 degree angles, I just need an element of flexibility in order to get the the steel into its location, then make a few tack welds along the bottom and bend it back, actually forming a slight bend to it and then tack weld along the top.

The 1mm Galvanised steel I already have would have been suitable if not galvanised.

Once in place, other than welding, its not possible to heat up without risking damage to the exterior paint work.

I guess its hard to imagine and i know the size and shape of the piece I'm referring too.

 

[shenion]

Zintec will be the same as galvanized, both are coated with zinc. So the prep is the same; you need to grind off the coating with something like a flap disk where welded.

The 1mm galv sheet would probably be easier as it is closer to the original.

 

[mike 109444]

Depending where the patch needes to go, you could try using a car jack with maybe a wooden block to push/hold it in place do a few tacks then reposition jack to bring rest of sheet into position and more tacking, continue till tacked tight then finish weld

 

[demented]

Thanks again for the replies.

I didn't think Zintec was the same as galvanised ?

I know Zintec has a similar kind of coating/process but I'm was certain it is very different compared to Galvanised ?

As I've said in another thread, in the past I have just flatted Zintec with 240 or 320 discs and painted as normal, I've not even used etch primer.

I have only recently started to use Zintec and etch primers on bare metal.

I have repaired and painted many cars over the years and used high build/filler primer directly onto bare metal without any issues occurring at a later date.



The patch is under the rear wheel arch with very little access from the rear or inside.

Its not possible to position the patch from inside the rear wheel arch, although I can gain assess to weld from there.

Access can only be gained from the boot area, with very little room, as its kind of in between the rear quarter and inner rear wheel arch and the patch will be sandwiched between and welded to the outer inner rear wheel arch from underneath, I hope this is making sense ?

The element of flexibility is requires to get the patch, in one piece into position prior to welding. Its not really possible to build up sections and weld due to the limited access.

Once the patch is in place and tacked at the base, a series of bends/curves will be made and tacked in place as I go, all bend made by hand, held in position with hammer shaft while I tack weld.

As for using a jack, not possible, as the patch requires holding down onto the inner rear arch from inside the car, but thanks for the suggestion.

I hope this helps to understand my questions a little more clearly ?



I don't weld on a regular basis and have very little experience.


I have decided to use 1mm mild steel of which I'm awaiting delivery of.

 

[shenion]

I didn't think Zintec was the same as galvanised ?

I know Zintec has a similar kind of coating/process but I'm was certain it is very different compared to Galvanised ?

It is very different, but still contains zinc that will contaminate the weld. Both will need to be ground off.

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

Zintec welds fine with no cleaning but watch the fumes. It is a very thin electroically plated layer that burns through instantly.