Club 80-90 Forums

Im going to have some welding to do on the Jambovan in the near future.
When butt welding ,ie one panel up to another without a lip what size gap should i be leaving to allow for any expansion ? .
Is weld through primer a good thing to use to help stop corrosion of welded areas or just it just burn off making it a pointless exercise.

I usually but weld to a gap of a slitting disc or less. Using a technique of tack, move 3 inches tack, repeat until the whole seam is weld. This reduces distortion.

Weld through primer I try and use as much as possible but I mainly use it where the welded joint won’t be visible after I’ve welded it. Ie, plug welded faces. On a but jointed panel, chances are you can grind back and paint both sides after work has been completed.


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Cheers

The gap left by these?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Butt-Welding-C ... +we&sr=8-3

When butt-welding thin sheet metal, I sometimes and when accessible put a copper busbar section behind the gap which is usually held in place by strong welding magnets.
This helps conduct the heat away from the metal, helping to prevent distortion and blow through. It will pool on the surface instead.
As mentioned above, adopt good stitch welding techniques.  

Copper enriched weld-through primer seems to not burn off in and around the immediate weld pool area unlike zinc / galvanized based products.
This may help to prevent rust for longer...?
I would like to know other people’s experience on this also

One of my biggest problems is the van is kept outside all the time and any cutting, welding, etc etc will be done outside . Just not good conditions to help in the prevention of the dreaded rust .
Thanks air chilled