1980 Aircooled Camper Restoration

[Wookster]

Haven't updated for a while cos I've had a few time consuming problems, nothing major but they all add up.

After sorting out the gas supply bloody welder packed up, tried a new wire feed motor but without success and eventually had to buy a new one.

Ended up with a 160amp R-Tec inverter mig, which also does arc at the flick of a switch.
Lovely piece of kit which I'm still getting used to. The feature I like best is the Eurotorch, loads better than the sip, a close second is the infinite control of the power setting.

Wheel arch is ready to be welded in place but need to finish the bottom corner first, and the sliding door which I am on with at the moment. Another learning curve which is covered in another current topic as I have specific questions for wiser heads than mine. Will include a few pics later for completeness.
Cracking on with this as I have an extra pair of hands for a few days.

[Kelvyn]

Sounds like a nice bit of kit,

[Wookster]

Here's the beasty.



LED's show the volts on the left and wire speed on the right in mig mode, and the right hand side the amps in arc mode. Haven't used the arc mode yet, but I plan to make some long reach f clamps by adapting cheap clamps to suit. This would need 40amps on the old arc welder, new one goes from 10-130 so will see if it's any different.

Old arc welder cost £40 from lidl and has paid for itself but has a very limited duty cycle (no fan), expecting much better from the new one. Arc facility basically came free with this machine and won't be used much.

Also just bought a drill press from preloved for £40, it's old but works and a similar machine would cost loads these days. 16 speeds, 16mm chuck, rack adjustment for the height etc. Well happy.

[Dazco]

looking good mate, Get cracking before we start dipping back into winter.

[Wookster]

Here's the beast, certainly won't be moving it much as it was a bit of a struggle to get the motor on top.





Got it set up and ready to go - realised I've left the chuck key with the guy I bought it from ********.