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Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 01 Oct 2011, 19:44
by 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 ??

)
Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 01 Oct 2011, 20:23
by 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
Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 01 Oct 2011, 22:08
by boatbuilder
Pretty much any steel 1mm thick would be fine so long as you're going to de-rust and paint it properly.
Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 02 Oct 2011, 10:47
by 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
Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 02 Oct 2011, 10:55
by 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

Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 02 Oct 2011, 11:44
by Tatty Chap
jimpainter wrote: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
Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 02 Oct 2011, 13:48
by jimpainter
Sorry cant help you with that. But a panel van is fairly straight forward to repair

Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 02 Oct 2011, 14:18
by Mickyfin
jimpainter wrote: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.
Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 03 Oct 2011, 19:30
by 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.
Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 04 Oct 2011, 04:43
by 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

Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 07 Oct 2011, 15:06
by 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)?
Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 07 Oct 2011, 16:41
by 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.
Re: Steel for welding a window surround...whats a good donor ?
Posted: 07 Oct 2011, 19:07
by 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.
