Car wheel-arch welding questions

[lobsterissmus]

Hi all,

Newbie to this forum, about to embark on a bit of rust repair to my '92 CRX wheel arches.

Just a couple of questions:

- Is there a rule of thumb for how much metal needs to be removed around the rusty area? One area I need to weld is in a blind spot where I can't see the extent of the rusty area (although I can prod my finger through which seems to be a pretty good way of telling! ).

- If I weld a patch onto a panel that is painted on the other side, what are the chances of damaging the paint? Will it always happen, or can it be avoided if I'm very slow and careful with the welding?

Any help/advice much appreciated, Mike.

A few pictures of the damage (sorry about the crap lighting ):

 

[tux]

No rule of thumb that I am aware of, just go back as far as you need to, to get to sound, clean metal.

As for the paint, it will be damaged. If its still intact when you have finished, there is no penetration and the weld will be weak, like a glued on patch, in essence, not welded.

 

[lobsterissmus]

Thanks tux, time for me to practice the welding now

 

[Ian D]

Cut all the rust out or it will come back. Ian.