Welding help needed

[lizard-queen]

Hi guys, what I'm actually looking for is some decent advice on how to find a good welder in my area - my car needs the sills and arches doing for its mot and I'm getting wildly different prices from mechanics I try... it has been suggested to me that it's because some people just don't want to do it.
Either way, what should I expect to pay? I know without pics or inspection it's hard to judge, but it's not like the whole sill is rusted - just a patch on each side.
Also, can anyone recommend anyone close to me (Glossop) who might be able to do this? I was looking into learning how to do it myself, but I feel this is a bit much to start with!
Thanks in advance

 

[cumbriasteve]

it has been suggested to me that it's because some people just don't want to do it.

That's probably very true, it's one of the tasks many dislike but don't mind doing for a high price, I used to do that with some gates I was asked to make but did not really want to do for various reasons.

The visible rusted area may be the tip of the iceberg and once cleaned back more work will become evident, it's doubtful you will get any accuracy of an estimate without a photo and even then anyone with any sense will estimate to allow for what can't be seen but could be expected.

 

[Richard.]

Welding on rusty cars is a nightmare and the preparation takes hours only to find that the moment you strike an arc it fizzes pops and burns through a lot of the time. The other thing is you find a patch that looks small gets 10 times bigger by the time your back to clean metal. You will probably find these guys that have put in the high quotes are either preparing for the worst or pricing them selves out of it. I've done loads of it in some of the garages I worked in and it's not fun.

 

[octo0072000]

put some pictures up type make of car would help and prices quoted for work

 

[Richard.]

If it's just the welding side of it your looking for there are some good ways to reduce the cost and make the job more appealing. Prep the whole areas your self remove the effected panels and grind the rusty metal that is to be welded to so its bright. Supply the metal and or panels cut and formed to shape. This way the guy just has to tack it on and stitch it up. Most of the cost in this line of work is the prep.

 

[lizard-queen]

it's a s reg micra, I'll go get some pics in a minute, just reading about welding as I'm seriously going to learn... and I'm going to de rust somewhat myself. Good idea about the cheapening though, every penny counts and all that.

By the way you guys are awesome for helping me so much so fast! Mucho appriciato!

 

[pedrobedro]

I bet it's the back corner where the sill meets the rear wheel arch I've done a few of them and always end up doing part of the inner wheel arch as well.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Moved to the correct forum.

 

[steveo3002]

put some pictures up type make of car would help and prices quoted for work

and do you want the bare minimum to get it through this mot , a more substansional lasting repair or restored and painted to like new ...big differance in those so make sure you know what youre asking for

 

[TwoThumbs]

One reason why many garages might want to stay away from rust patching is customer satisfaction. Customer might say that either it's badly done or it's too pricy and therefore no win situation for them. There are so many ways how it can be patched and how much it will cost. If they will buy new panels, butt weld, treat fixed area with multiple chemicals and paint it so that you can't see the repair it will take time and cost a lot. Usually MOT patch is just overlapped patch and quickly painted, doing like that saves ton of time and won't cost that much.

It would be important to ask how they will fix it and how you would want it fixed. Then there is cost issue. How much you are willing to spend and how long you will keep the car?

 

[Spark plug]

A general rule of thumb, a 1 inch will become 3 inches when cleaned up.

 

[Robotstar5]

A general rule of thumb, a 1 inch will become 3 inches when cleaned up.

Mrs Robo wants to test the theory so she's bought me a bar of soap

 

[W.olly]

Welding cars is ***** and folk price it to if they want to do it, easier ways to earn money. all as said above comments i agree with.

Sods law, i just sold my rig and i would of travel to you to do it for £50.