Do I need to weld the whole seam?

[stevo96]

Hi

Im still pretty new to welding, I have a plate to weld into the VW camoper roof - its under the poptop. It measures 3 inch long and 1 inch wide. I've tacked the piece in with about 10 tacks. I know the correct procesdure is now to fill in the whole seam but could I get away with using filler in the tiny gaps? The replacement metal was a snug fit. I will obviosuly prime and paint it. Thoughts?

 

[the snooper]

you could as its not structural or part of the mot but it would be better fully welded

 

[stevo96]

Cool, so the rust won't come back any quicker just becasue it isn't fully seam welded? I personally wouldnt of thought so given that it's fully encased in filler / primer and paint (both sides as I had access from underneath too). No rust was left behind.

 

[bigbadbugga]

Just weld it, more touching spots will do to minimise warping.

Then grind it flush with a flap disc.

Better than filler and easier than filler IMO.

 

[stevo96]

The reason for not wanting to weld it all the way around is access, I cant get the tip in there without cutting more of the fibreglass poptop away....

 

[DrNik]

just get a squeezy bottle filled with water if your welding close to the fibreglass, you want to cool it down before it gets too hot, it does bubble and can burn very easily