Cortina back valance

[cardy1958]

Hello Folks, I want to weld a new back valance onto my 72 Cortina the old one having practically rusted through. Your advice would be appreciated on a couple of quesions, would I get away with spot welding the new valance on as I don't think it is load bearing. If a continious weld is required is the stitch method as shown in the videos the best way to attach the new valance.

Thanks in advance.

Regards Norman

 

[Windy Miller]

Spot welding will be fine

 

[rikrobson]

The MOT rule is if the panel is a complete replacement then the original manufacturing process can be used as the manufacturer would have. If it is a repair to an existing panel it must be seam welded.

I presume this is the rule as the Original process would have been accepted with the compliance crash tests. A repair would not have and could introduce a weakness in the panel id spot welded, resulting in the car behaving differently in a smash, changing crumple zones etc. A seam weld should make the panel behave in a similar fashion to the original

Manufacturers use spot welding because it's a cheap method and is quick.
I'm guessing you are using a Mig so you plan to plug weld, which isn't strictly the same process.
If you have the time and inclination a better job would be to seam weld the panel in otherwise plug welding will suffice.
It seems to me that if its outwith the 300mm zone of a suspension/mounting component the it can be as rusty as you like as long as there are no dangerously sharp edges

 

[steveo3002]

plug welding is fine ...its how any sane person would do it

 

[cardy1958]

Hi Folks, thanks for your advice I'm using a Clarke Pro 90, apologies for asking but is a plug weld the same as a spot weld.

Thanks Norman

 

[cardy1958]

Hello, read up on plug welding on the web site, seems like the way to go as I still consider myself very much a novice when it comes to welding.

Thanks Norman

 

[steveo3002]

yeah thats your only choice unless you buy a spot welder machine

 

[mike 109444]

Cardy if you consider yourself a novice then it might be worth doing some scrap piece testing (on same size/thickness material) namely do a plug weld and try breaking the two pieces apart. If you search the forum looking for "distructive testing" you should find others that have done same. Would a 72 Cortina have crumply zones ? : ) or is it as my old MK1 between the rear bumper throught to the frount bumper. ; )

 

[mike 109444]

PS be aware you are near the petrol tank in that area of welding....

 

[cardy1958]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for your advice will try a plug weld on some scrap, I noticed in your insert photo a Ford Consul Capri, do you have one of these as well as a Mk1 Cortina.

Norman

 

[mike 109444]

Norman Yes well spotted that is my Consul Capri I am working on, when time allows (full time job + fitting new kitchen in moms ect ect) The MK1 was from my youth (Oh so many years ago...)
ps the Capri was made the same year I was borne.