Processes

[WazOz]

Hi, first time poster, have a fair bit of cutting out and patching on a Hilux Dual Cab 4x4 in Oz, what process do you guys Use? when the patch is in, do you 1.use Filler, 2. Etch prime, prime and then paint, bc/cc?
With the welds where it can't be seen, would you use a seam sealer to prevent moisture, painting over the seam, and also treating the metal with a weld thru primer so it doesn't rust afterwards
I will have to remover Headliner to prevent fire and also to place some heat sink to prevent blow through , would it be correct, clean up the weld, Seam Seal etch primer and paint it, how do you guys go about this kind of repair, am still trying to manage welding thin metal, lots of holes and getting settings right b4 I tackle the bus.
Have an 200 Amp Gas/gasless welder, el cheapo machine, with only wire speed, two switched, for Power (min or max) and the other switch is 1 or two (http://virtualhardware.com.au/images/cart/products/mig200welder-image.JPG)

Any tips on settings will be appreciated, don't want the metal cancer to come back like previous work has, paint cracked, rust everywhere.
Sorry for long winded post, just want to do it right.
Cheers from OZ

 

[Wozzaaah]

Hi and welcome to the forum.
I'll leave the paint questions to someone more knowledgeable but I honestly think you'll struggle with that machine. I believe they have a ridiculously high bottom setting of 60 amps which will make it almost impossible to do a run on thin stuff without blowing through it.
If using that machine is your only option then min 1 setting and 0.6mm wire will give you the best chance of any success.

 

[WazOz]

Help

Thanks Woz, so it is too big for what I want hey, will try and sell it, as I will mainly be fixing up the Old Hilux and as I have already converted a drop side tray (donated by a mate) to a good 7x5 singke axle trailer, I can't see the need for retaining a Machine that is too powerful, I have a 150 amp close by that I can use instead, same setup as the 200.
Cheers for the help
Will look into buying a second hand Welder that has better controls than these models, on a Carers pension so an expensive machine is out of the equation.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Ideally, for car stuff you want a machine that goes from 30A or less to about 150A, that will cover pretty much anything you come across.
6 voltage (power) steps is nice though 4 is often the norm on small machines. A 'Euro' torch is also an advantage though you don't see those on entry-level machines. They make torch and liner changes a breeze and are cheaper to replace than hard-wired ones should the need ever arise.

You'd better get some photos of the hi-lux in the projects section when you get time.

 

[WazOz]

Hi again, am not going to rush in and buy again, if you don't mind me bothering you that is?, am looking at one in Oz, here are its stats, let me know what you think, it is $795.
It's a 200 amp still, will this still be crap for welding thin sheet metal?
Ebay listing not far from where I live.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120618294406
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High duty cycle, low energy consumption.
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Multifunction Mig, MMA, Scratch Tig
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Gas & Gasless Mig Welding
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Small size and light weight for on and offsite jobs
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LED amperage and voltage display
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Advanced high quality Infineon IGBT inverter technology
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Stable Arc allowing easy operation with a beautiful weld result
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High welding speed and intensity with complete efficiency
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Deep weld pools with almost no spatter
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Light weight design and low noise output
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Built in Electronic wire Sharpening
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Euro connection Mig Torch
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Adjustable Welding current from 30-160amps
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Digital Amp & Voltage meter for precision required applications
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Continuous operation without interruption even at high Amperage
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Suitable for welding thick plates with thickness over 0.8mm
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Generator Safe and Friendly
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Safety circuit prevents overheating, over-current, & over/under voltage
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Uses 100mm 1kg spools or 200mm 5kg spools
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Welds steel, stainless steel, copper, iron, brass, titanium& other metals
Input power voltage frequency (V/Hz) AC240V (single phase) 50/60Hz
Rate input power capacity KVA 3
Current range (A) 30-160
Rated output voltage (V) 15-22
Rated duty cycle (%) 60
Efficiency (%) 85
Power factor 0.85
Insulation class F
Protection class IP21
Weight (KG) 16
Dimensions (Cm) 46x23x32
Wire Feeder Built-In
Diameter of spool (mm) 100-200
Diameter of welding wire (mm) 0.6/0.8/

 

[Wozzaaah]

Hmmmmm........Chinese multi-function inverter machine.........
Personally I'd steer clear and get a decent transformer-based one, much more likely to give trouble-free use for many years.

 

[WazOz]

Thanks again, will keep my eyes out for a 2nd hand Linclon, Cigweld unit.
Cheers

 

[WazOz]

Your'e going to hate me for this, how about one of these? $735
CIG transmig 165
Specifications:

Processes MIG (GMAW)
Supply Voltage 240 Volt, 1 phase, 50/60hz
Welding Current Range 30-165 amps
Duty Cycle 20 % @ 150 amps
Recommeneded Generator 6.7kVa for max.welding current
Packaged Weight 33kg
Power Source Dimensions 244 W x 301 D x 438 D mm
or a second hand Lincoln for $780
Lincoln 180c

Thanks again,
Apologies for double pics, my bad

 

[Wozzaaah]

You won't go wrong with either of those machines, both have very good reputations and the current range makes them both ideal for pretty much most things you're likely to want to do.
It's difficult to say which one to go for really, the Cigweld is new so will have a warranty, the Lincoln won't but the wire feed unit on the lincoln looks to be of superb quality, geared rollers and an aluminium casting.
It's also a cracking price!
Personally, I think I'd go for the Lincoln as long as it's in good condition and you can be absolutely sure it works properly.

 

[WazOz]

Great, now I am getting somewhere, will ring the dealer on Mon to ask about the Lincoln, and if not will get the Cigweld, thanks for your patience and input.
Hallelujah, may finally get a decent welder soon
Thanks
Waz

 

[WazOz]

Ooops, my boo boo, the pic of the Lincoln isn't the actual welder that is new, just the exact same unit for you to check out, have emailed them and asked for praticulars, cheers
Waz

 

[Wozzaaah]

I realised it was just a library pic, not the actual one that's for sale.
If the Lincoln is from a dealer then they might give you a warranty on it anyway, even if it's just a short one it will give you peace of mind knowing you can take it back if necessary.
Here's a link to the product specs.

 

[Drains]

Got to say, I'd go for the multiple function Chinese inverter. Looks great! The condition would be though that it came from a proper welding supplier with appropriate repair/ replacement/ guarantee backup.

 

[ColourweldUK]

Hi, Think that you have the welding side covered now so might be able to help you on the paint side.

I am guessing the Hilux is not Ali, slome kind of Mild Steel? If that is the case then you can etch prime then prime but as long as the surface is well abraded then you can just apply a decent 2k Zinc Phosphate Primer as this offers good corrosion resistence and build. After you have flatted back then a 2K topcoat would be the best if the colour allows it (basecoat if it's a metallic/pearl) if you have an airfed mask or if not then a single pack product. This should give you good performance and a nice appearance. Hope that helps from a fellow noob

 

[WazOz]

welder

Just bought the Transmig, missed out on the Lincoln, wasn't ment to be, thanks for all the input esp Woz
Thanks ColourweldUK for the painting tips, it isn't ally, all steel, why I needed the correct steps in making sure when I do weld a patch in, the rust doesn't come back
Thumbs up ppl for the help
Drains, thanks for the input also