Getting started...

[Randall977]

I'm sure this will amuse a few of you...

I've just bought a Lagonda Rapide which needs a bit of welding and therefore I need to learn to weld. I tried it back in the mid 90's with a TR4 but didn't get on with it due to the hand held mask, the gas (which ran out quickly) and possibly a not very good mig welder (migmate 150 turbo)? So I've always avoided welding since until now when it's either learn or pay a lot of money which I don't have! I bought a cheap auto mask of eBay which I will swap for a better one, I have the gloves and the determination. Areas I will have to tackle are the front sill sections, front floor pans, rear floorpan sections...and probably much more! Which welder would you recommend I buy, obviously I will practice a lot first! Thanks, Christian

 

[rtbcomp]

Welcome to the forum...............and good luck!

Have a look in Weldequip's shop (link at the top of the page) at the Clarke and Portamig ranges, for that sort of work you need a machine with the lowest current output, and one that uses gas so you can use 0.6mm wire.

Avoid the disposable bottles, and you shouldn't go wrong.

 

[malcolm]

Wow!

I managed an Aston V8 using a Clarke 155 (including the aluminium). But that prompted me to get a Portamig and a TIG welder.

Should go for the best welder you can afford (new or secondhand) and make sure it goes down to at least 30 amps. That'll make work much easier and nicer - if it's anything like the V8 there will be a lot of welding and you'll be fighting any hobby welder all the way.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Portamig, although not cheap are great machines and go down to 30 amp, I like the car, please keep sending in the pics of the work and of course when all shiny and completed..Good Luck

 

[knoba]

Look at that! A real car with personality & character...

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Rubber Duck]

Look at that! A real car with personality & character...

Welcome to the forum!

What he said!
Looks like a wonderful motor, I'll be watching this.

 

[Randall977]

Thanks for the replies, can I run the Portamig of a standard 13A supply and can I use it gasless? I assume TIG is for the aluminium bit? Malcolm, I have read through your sill repair section many times and wondered if mine will be simular - it's a stretched DB5 so maybe...I will find out soon!

 

[PaulMcElhinney]

Dear Christian,

Firstly may I congratulate you on your choice of car. I have long hankered after a Lagonda Rapide after seeing one in Classic Car magazine many years ago. They are a beautiful old vehicle.

I too am a novice welder. What has occurred to me is that in order to properly tackle such repairs one has to acquire not just a grasp of welding but also basic panel beating. I think I'm right in saying that your Lagonda was coachbuilt with leaded seams etc. Not for the faint hearted.

Re your comments on gasless, purists wouldn't touch it with a bargepole. Gas mig is the way to go.

If that Lagonda was mine I'd be doing all the basic donkey work myself but paying someone to do the clever stuff.

I wish you the very best of luck with it.

Regards,


Paul McElhinney.

Ps I'm in a similar position myself. I have a Jensen FF that is in worse condition than your Lagonda.

 

[PaulMcElhinney]

Williams Welding
21 Upper Crescent
Minster Lovell, Witney OX29 0RT

Is this place close to you? They did a Jensen Interceptor for a member of the Jensen Owners Club and did a fantastic job.

 

[rtbcomp]

Paul makes a good point about leaded seams.

I'm not sure if the panelwork is steel or aluminium, but if it's steel be mindful that molten lead may drip out of seams if you start welding near them - I found out the hard way!

 

[Randall977]

Good tips - thanks! It's magnesium alloy outer on a superlaggera structure... It sounds like a nightmare but it's not that bad and the work I need to do is mainly inboard. I hope not to touch the outer panels but may not be able to avoid it around the front of the sills. Witney is close to me but if I go down the road of paying someone I will soon have massive debts! I know I will have to learn and get good but there is no reason why I can't do this...

 

[PaulMcElhinney]

Fair play Christian, I admire your ambition and tenacity. My FF needs chassis tubes replacing (they look like lampposts), inner wings repaired, a new n/s wing fitted. Fortunately I am two and a bit years off retirement when I will be able to pay someone to do it.

In the meantime have a look at Paul Baker Custom Metalwork, those are the sort of skills that you'll be requiring.

Best wishes,


Paul.

 

[Randall977]

Hi Paul the FF is a lovely car and quite a project too! As a fellow car restorer you will know that optomism oftern catapults you into a project beyond your skill level...then you even have to learn or pay someone...

 

[schnappi]

Is this the exact same Lagonda (manual) that features in the March edition of Practical Classics? Looks very similar to me.

 

[Randall977]

 

[schnappi]

Not the same one then - but wow, for such an old car where only 55 were made it's surprising to see two showing up in unrestored condition in such quick succession. Good on you for taking it on, I'd be terrified of driving it let alone restoring it!

 

[Randall977]

Yes the very same one, it looks slightly less sorry now. I'm not really that bothered about driving it though by all accounts it's not too bad (0-60 in 8secs, not bad for a big heavy 60's saloon), I just love fixing things.

Christian

 

[schnappi]

Oops, thought it said KKP not XKP on the picture but I can see it is the same now (my eyes are getting bad). :-) Bet you couldn't believe your luck! Amazing find, really hope it goes well for you!

PS: Would LOVE to see more pictures of this car so go wild!

 

[Country Joe]

Portamig, although not cheap are great machines and go down to 30 amp

Hi,
The PortaMigs in the shop at the top of the page go down to 15 amps - better still!
CJ

 

[Randall977]

Yours eyes are fine, I doctored the number plate because at the time I sent the images to the magazine I hadn't actually bought the car and I didn't want any of the Aston Martin crowd finding out where it was. A bit paranoid maybe but not unfounded! I have just bought a Portamig 215...maybe not quite a new one though (but almost)!