MIG welding to fix a van floor - advices please

[lud]

Hi,
This forum looks great. I'm glad I found it.
I had a short course on MIG welding and did arc welding years ago in my youth cause my friend's da was a metalsmith.
I really like welding and want to develop the skill but it's not so easy as I don't have a place to do it (although I can find temporary spaces).
My main "project" right now is to fix a hole in my van where the driver seat attaches (bracket) because my MOT is coming soon.
This van is a LDV Pilot which as most do has a leak that got the floor very rusty over the years, hence the hole. I'm sure learning how to weld is a smart move with this van.
I was adviced to go for riveting which might be a solution if welding turns out too expensive.
I am on a low budget I am (hence the van ... although I do like oldies).
What mechanics quoted me is way out of my budget and I'm DIY minded enough to sort it out myself.

In this context and with this perspective, I'd like to know what MIG welder I should go for and any advice where to buy, what to buy (wire, gas...). I'll become more specific with my questions when I get answers. I'm happy to read related threads too.

PS: So far I had a go at arc welding cause I was given a small one. After much struggle I did a decent temporary fix but I also made holes where I shouldn't have cause I didn't know the correct rod and settings. I since learned that it takes an experienced arc welder to weld thin metal and that my fix is no good to pass MOT.

 

[the snooper]

look at the Clarke range of welders and its a big no to riveting the floor, a guaranteed mot failure

 

[BChild]

Clarke every time - avoid cheap box movers and get a auto darkening mask

 

[MoreWellie]

if you can afford it, go for one of the gas based models as I think you will find it easier compared to no gas ones

mig welding also really needs clean metal and given your description it might be difficult to find some

welding thin rusty metal can be frustrating as holes appear and get big quite quickly. Cutting back to clean metal and, if you can get to the back, clamping a copper heatsink to the back of the joint will definitely help

 

[Wallace]

Not wishing to scare you but here's 80% of a wee repair panel I did for an LDV Mot failure. "Two small patches in the wheelarch" he says "and the seat mountings need looking at as it's loose".

 

[marlinspike]

Welcome to the forum, Lud. We started with a Clarke welder and they are good value units. I would go for gas if you can though, especially if you plan on doing more in the future. The tutorials on this site are excellent - read them all and then practise a lot before you start on the van as thin car metal is easy to blow holes in.

Clarke machines come up on ebay a lot or you could post a want ad on here. Alternatively, you might find you can get a higher spec mig for the cost of a new Clarke. It's a bit addictive once you start.

 

[Wallace]

Missed that bit, welcome to the forum! What part of London are you?

 

[grandadknows]

Hi Lud
I too say go for gas mig. Much more control. Auto mask is a bonus with thin metal welding.
Get the best one you can afford or borrow one to practice with. Practice is key.
Check for brake/fuel lines etc. LDV's well known for holes and, yes a welder is a must with this type of van. Maybe, try "knocking" the hole and see if it becomes a open cast mine!!
Enjoy.

 

[TAITSIE]

For every inch of rust you can see there is another four or five you cant

 

[lud]

Not wishing to scare you but here's 80% of a wee repair panel I did for an LDV Mot failure. "Two small patches in the wheelarch" he says "and the seat mountings need looking at as it's loose".


View attachment 41542

Just the size of the pic scares me :P...
Question:
What's the thickness of the sheet you used?

 

[lud]

Missed that bit, welcome to the forum! What part of London are you?

south - between camberwell and stockwell

 

[lud]

Thanks everyone for helpful advices!
I can rule out the rivets option. I now have a place to do it (in Ipswich).
Need to get the gear.
What range of price should I expect when buying wire and gas knowing that I'll have to do some pratice...?

 

[Shedendman]

What year's your pilot btw?

 

[Wallace]

Just the size of the pic scares me :P...
Question:
What's the thickness of the sheet you used?

1mm for the larger panels and 1.5mm for the chassis parts as per what was on there.

 

[lud]

what about this sealey?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-MIGH...nal-Welder/dp/B002HMXQ0A/ref=pd_sim_sbs_diy_6

 

[lud]

What year's your pilot btw?

ex RM 2003 - 1.9D pug DW8 engine - came with leak somewhere around windscreen as most if not all

 

[lud]

I never geared up before but I gathered that I need more than welder, mask, gloves.

• Wire (5 KG) - what thickness for thin metal welding should I get?
  
• Gas Bottle Regulator
• Tips

Is there a thread on the forum where I could find this info?

 

[clift_d]

Take a look at the guides on the main site here.

 

[lud]

they re brilliant thanks

 

[lud]

answers to my last question:
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/buying.htm