Rear arch welding

[jackso11]

First up, Hello everyone

I have just got myself a MIG welder as I need to do some work on a rear arch on an mx5 project car I am rebuilding and am hoping you can give me a few pointer.

Basically the rear quarter on the passenger side (containing the fuel flap) has been dented in and repaired badly as the car was a track toy and therefore didn't need to be pretty. The last owner looks to have cut out a small section, flattened out the dents, then welded it back in place (badly). So my question is what is the best option for repairing this?

1. Get another rear quarter, cut out a good section, cut bad section out the car and weld in its place.

2. Get another rear quarter, cut out the bad section + the entire arch edge to ensure a smooth line around the wheel and weld that in.

3. Remove the entire rear quarter, weld a good quarter in its place.

I am new to welding but am in no rush so will being doing a welding course in the next month and then practising a lot before probably doing this toward the end of summer. I am a very practical person and have done the odd bit here and there but never owned my own welder until now

All help much appreciated!


I will take a picture of the damage and post it shortly

 

[Chickenjohn]

Depending on the damage, either 1, 2 or 3 could be appropriate. We need to see some pictures, please? Good idea though to go on a course before welding the new piece in.

 

[jackso11]

Here we go

 

[norsa]

looks like the best option is to replace the whole quarter (if that makes sense) but it would be easier if one of us takes you right through the various steps of doing it whilst looking at the car before you get frustrated with it. Where abouts are you?
Nick

 

[Cobbler]

Hi there, have you considered looking for a scrap mx5 or Eunos, & cutting out the section you require. Cut out the damage, joddle the edge to let the new patch in. Due to the shape it should not warp too badly as there is quite a curve to it.

The quarter panel is huge amounts money & most scrappies would be more than happy to let you cut a shell about for not much money

As one mx5 owner to another I wish you luck, they are magic little cars. My son also has one with a turbo fitted. Goes like s... Of a stick.

Cobbler

 

[tysonn]

Is there no access in the boot to tap it out and just fill it?Pardon me if I arent getting the right idea from your pic.

 

[droopsnoot]

I wouldn't fancy swapping the entire quarter panel, especially if the majority of it is good. The work involved in making sure nothing shifts around the rest of the shell is way more than preparing and fitting a section.

 

[mike 109444]

Hi jackso11. 1st job might be to work out what's needed to remove the fuel tank befor you go near it with a cutting disc or welder.!

 

[jackso11]

Thanks for all the ideas so far guys

I am based in east london. I will get a better picture of it at the weekend or if I get home in the eve and its still light I will take a pic.

There is access from the inside but unfortunatly its not just a knock in, the previous owner has cut a rectangle section out of it and then badly welded it back in again so the arch isn't lined up quite right.

I think more pictures will help.

Thanks again!

 

[F.J.]

Due to the shape it should not warp too badly as there is quite a curve to it.

As Cobbler says you could consider this option and weld near to the swage and loose the edge with filler ths only having to remove the lower section and not having to strip the interior or remove the hood!



With the issue of the fuel tank, i cover them with a fire blanket or an off cut of thin steel sheet. (Obviosly still directing the sparks away from danger)

 

[jackso11]

Well, I am loving welding!

Been doing a night course, 1 night a week for 6 weeks now. Spent 5 weeks doing Oxy Acetylene welding which I really like, and this week we have moved onto MIG which after 1 session I think is easier to get nice looking welds but also far easier to end up with distortion and blow holes in the material! Guessing I should get better over the next load of weeks

In doing this I am thinking maybe it would be better to strip the interior, drill out the spot welds, and MIG on a new/second hand drilled off quarter panel, less to worry about distortion as i am a novice.

 

[pedrobedro]

I'd be tempted to knock the biggest dents out and make sure its all lower than the original then fill it, it still looks solid so it should be no problem.

 

[jackso11]

I know its going to be more work but I think I am leaning towards the idea of changing the quarter. Just like the idea of no filler there.

 

[Matt S]

Are you doing this course at Waltham forest college by any chance?

 

[mirafioriman]

Fitting a full quarter is indeed more work. It's do-able although removing a full quarter from a scrap car is quite a lot of work particularly as you can't damage it if you are going to resuse it.

I wouldn't do it unless you have to

 

[the snooper]

if you are going to get a second hand rear quarter get it cut off beyond all the joints you want to keep and then remove the scrap in your own good time

 

[steveo3002]

if youre keeping it matt black id fill it , original seams stay rust free far longer than new panels