how do i weld a battery tray on a mark5 ford escort

[das223]

hi

I have a mark 5 escort (j reg) which has a rotten battery tray. I have a replacement part for it and a mig welder but i need to know what sort of weld I should do on it. should it be seam welded as it also forms part of the bulkhead or is it spot weld job. Please can someone help me. I have a Mig welder

 

[the snooper]

if it was part of the bulkhead ie one single piece then it has to be fully welded
but if it was in addition to the bulkhead ie sat on top then it was probably spot welded

mk 3 escorts had to be fully welded when you removed old tray you could see into the car so if its the same then fully weld

 

[pedrobedro]

If you can cut the old one out you will see the front part is spot welded to the front lip where it overhangs if it's same as the replacement panel I used. You should seam weld the back and sides and the front can be spotted but make a good job as it carries the stress from the brake master cylinder and will flex alarmingly if not solid. Get someone to press the pedal while you watch it move before you do the job just for a demonstration, really push the pedal down hard.