Wheel well rust repair welding

[Iwallace]

Hi

Did some digging on the body work and was ecstatic to find only half my wheel wells

Last person did a bit of a bodge cover up and just filled it all over on the arches. The inside was covered in the horrible rubber sealer stuff so couldn’t actually see how bad it was when I bought it

I’m getting my hands on a mig soon and I’ve ordered the arch and lower quarter of the side panel I just need to make up the inner wheel well with sheet.

Thing is I’ve never welded before lol

Any tips or knowledge at all? Heard some stuff about using a flange tool but have no idea to be honest

Anything is a help

[T25Convert]

There are loads of experts on here that could advise if you post pictures for what you (don't?) have and how it all fits together. 

Mig welding wise if you haven't found it https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/ is an excellent resource for general welding tips and techniques. 

I am just starting front jacking points and ends of outriggers, will only be the second time out for the MIG, but what I've learnt is unless its shiny steel you're not going to weld it easily! Prep is everything, the welding itself is just practice. Don't be shy cutting out the grot, and get back to a decent edge of shiny (thick) steel round the edges. 

Good luck, let me know how you get on, my arch and steps are the next on the hit list! 

[Iwallace]

There are loads of experts on here that could advise if you post pictures for what you (don't?) have and how it all fits together. 

Mig welding wise if you haven't found it https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/ is an excellent resource for general welding tips and techniques. 

I am just starting front jacking points and ends of outriggers, will only be the second time out for the MIG, but what I've learnt is unless its shiny steel you're not going to weld it easily! Prep is everything, the welding itself is just practice. Don't be shy cutting out the grot, and get back to a decent edge of shiny (thick) steel round the edges. 

Good luck, let me know how you get on, my arch and steps are the next on the hit list! 

Perfect thank you,
I’m picking it up today so I’ll post an update in the next few days. Just trying to fit it all round work

[Gordo89]

My vans currently on jack stands and I have a fair few photos should you need them.

Butt welding is supposed to be better as it reduces water getting between the two sheets of metal.

The front arch's on mine seem to have failed at the step and right up in the corner of the arch to b panel the rest tend to have been ok.

The rears had both been filled with seam sealer around the center.

[Robsey]

I am no welder either, but thankfully my friend just loves welding.

He swears by butt welding.
And do not dare mention the phrase joggling for making lap joints.

There are panels for the whole cab floor, arch and door steps available from all the usual sources, so you should not need to make any panels up for yourself.
Dependent upon your fabrication skills.

My friend's general rule is - based on cost effectiveness. If he can make a repair panel cheaper than buying one, then he will make it up instead.

[Iwallace]

My vans currently on jack stands and I have a fair few photos should you need them.

Butt welding is supposed to be better

Yes please, I’ve bought the wheel arch panels they were only £12 each from brickwerks and really good quality. The only bit I need to make up is the inside of the wheel arch.

Finished two welds where the table holes are and I’m pretty happy how it turned out, only thing now is doing the welds well enough to be on show on the body

[Iwallace]

I am no welder either, but thankfully my friend just loves welding

He swears by butt welding.
And do not dare mention the phrase joggling for making lap joints.

Luckily I’ve only done butt welds lol

When I’m finished with the welding and painting I’m just going to completely reseal the whole van. A lot has rotted away and the roof isn’t even attached properly just a few self tapping screws in the back