Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?

[Tatty Chap]

Hi,

I have decided its time to bite the bullet and get the disintegrated window ports cut back and new bit welded in.
For such a small (and totally flat) area of steel I thought I could use some reclaimed folded steel or something.

Has anyone repaired bit of their van with metal they have found, will stiff from a washing machine etc do, of does it need to be thicker etc

Any help appreciated ! Money is a BIG issue at the mo.

(Done suppose anyone in the North Dorset area fancies lending a hand ?? )

[skysurfin09]

Most seem to use donar vehicles, there's quite few guys in your neck of the woods or ask across the board and I'm sure that an offer of help will follow. Rob

[boatbuilder]

Pretty much any steel 1mm thick would be fine so long as you're going to de-rust and paint it properly.

[Tatty Chap]

I have the front off an old storage heater...seems about the same

just have to figure out how to cut rounded corners with a grinder, and persuade someone to assist

Jeez theres enough vans round here im suprised there isnt a club

[jimpainter]

Is it a factory window or a panel van conversion. If its factory window i have a complete window frame i use for repairs. I would be willing to send you a chunk or 2 in the post if its any good to you.
Jim

[Tatty Chap]

Is it a factory window or a panel van conversion. If its factory window i have a complete window frame i use for repairs. I would be willing to send you a chunk or 2 in the post if its any good to you.
Jim

Bless ya Jim.

No its a panel van conversion

[jimpainter]

Sorry cant help you with that. But a panel van is fairly straight forward to repair

[Mickyfin]

Is it a factory window or a panel van conversion. If its factory window i have a complete window frame i use for repairs. I would be willing to send you a chunk or 2 in the post if its any good to you.
Jim

Sorry to jump in, but I maybe interested in a couple of chunks if thats ok? I have factory fit windows which a couple have rust, but not yet took the windows out to inspect the seriousness of the rust yet. The two windows in question are the drivers side (LHD) rear window (Cetral lower, and right hand lower corner), and the rear screen bottom left corner as you look at it.

[jimpainter]

When your ready take some pics so i can get an idea of how much you need. I will send a couple of chunks for the cost of postage if you have paypal.

[Mickyfin]

Thanks mate, you are a star, I will try and get photos of the areas today for you. They will be with the glass still fitted, as planning on doing the whole bus next year, one area at a time

[Tatty Chap]

Been looking on the bay of pigs at sheet steel.

Do I want mild steel or stainless (not having ever welded im clueless)?

[New Kentish Campers]

You will need mild steel. Have you tried looking at some of the paint factors near to you? I only say this because, for instance, my local one stocks various channels/sheets/stuff of mild steel; it might be cheaper for you?



Doug.

[jimpainter]

Try your local back street motor factors. It costs me about £8 for a large sheet of steel.
Or call round some engineering type places and see what off cuts they have in there skips.