Side panel removal/spot welds-where r they?

[pmulcahy]

my first post! after practsing on an old door, im about to try to change the side panel on my Devon CT. Its a RHD and the rusty panel is the one behind the fridge. I want to remove the whole thing including window. But where the F... are the spot wields? Do i have to grind away the top layer to see them or as somebody mentioned it might be glued together?

Thanks,
Pete

[Fritz]

Try to get hold of a body shop tool called a 'Mule skinner' then use this on all inside seams/lips to locate the spot welds.

Then continue with your previously purchased good quality spot weld drill to remove the rusted panel..




Regards


Fritz,,,,,,,,,,

[pmulcahy]

Thanks, i cant believe i struggled on without the help of this site thanks again N1

[pmulcahy]

Wow, how easy is it to drill staight though to the other side and even if you do it ok the "bar-steward" panel still wont come off Is drilling the best method?

[rick]

as another a/c owner and changer of many panels lol, cut the panel in question within an inch of the seam, this will expose the welds and seam seal and give you insight into exactly what you are cutting .
if your pics are anything to go by, you can buy just the lower half of that side panel. it joins on the horizontal indent.

they all go behind the fridge! especially if its a devon with leaking waste water outlet.

[HarryMann]

Wow, how easy is it to drill staight though to the other side and even if you do it ok the "bar-steward" panel still wont come off Is drilling the best method?

Yes, just spot-punch the exact centres first, go through with a small (1/8") drill, then 6mm or anything up to 8mm to ensure you get the whole spot, depends how enthusiastic the spot-welder was that day....
Cobalt drills are a lot easier, a big improvement over normal HSS drills..