What is the correct way to de-seam a T25?

[jaymo]

Hi folks,

I hear the correct way to de-seam a T25 is to stitch weld the seams to prevent the panels from moving after being filled and the van painted.

I've had my van de-seamed, and the paint is cracking on a couple of the seams - not happy

I just need to know if I should complain to the people who did the work if there is a way this could have been prevented.

Any help or advice would be great.

Mark

[Plasticman]

Hi Mark
used to do this years ago when it was the fashion!!
On Mini's with the external seam we would weld up the inside of the seam then grind off the outside and lead it.
for internal seams as per our vans then seam to be taken back to bare metal and grit blasted through a guide to keep it local , weld up and lead it.thats the proper way.
filler and tack welding is the bodge way, filler on its own is either some one who doesnt know what they're doing or doing it to a price or haviong a laugh or w.h.y.
Mike

[kooldubs]

i can understand doing it to say ..a mini...but why would you want to do a t3...it just makes for harder work when you eventually have to replace a panel...each to his own tho`

[Plasticman]

Ahh,Kooldubs re-read my reply,

OP asked for advice regarding how etc .I informed him the correct way to do it on both internal and external seams, which is what he wanted to know.
No point doing it to one of our vans, apart from anything else it would not be an aestheticaly pleasing result, as the seams add to the look of a 25.

Many folk(not suggesting this is the case) have them filled in as they or the bodgy paintshops reckon it will keep the rust at bay! or that its easier than trying to sort grubby seams, sorry but there is NO sealer filler anything that will achieve that, there is no shortcut.
cheers Mike