Re: My Journey: 1973 Dodge Power Wagon
[Re: 734x4PW]
#246531
04/18/09 09:43 PM
04/18/09 09:43 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 611 Joplin, MO
734x4PW
OP
mopar
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OP
mopar
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 611
Joplin, MO
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Week - April 13 - 18, 2009 I finally found a welder that fits my budget and that will do what I need. I purchased a Hobart 125 from Northern Tool. Right now, I'll use flux core, but I'll eventually get the kit to convert to a MIG - probably when get to the outer sheet metal on the body. In the meanwhile, I continued the arduous task of clearing the cab from all paint, seam sealer, and loose rust.
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Re: My Journey: 1973 Dodge Power Wagon
[Re: 734x4PW]
#246536
04/25/09 10:11 PM
04/25/09 10:11 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 611 Joplin, MO
734x4PW
OP
mopar
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OP
mopar
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 611
Joplin, MO
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April 25th, 2009. I received the welder on Friday, the 24th of April. I test welded a few scraps of metal, enough to know I am going to have to practice before I tackle the floor pans! So, I decided to build a welding cart (what else!?). Here is what I spent today doing:
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Re: My Journey: 1973 Dodge Power Wagon
[Re: 734x4PW]
#246540
04/25/09 11:58 PM
04/25/09 11:58 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,089 Sorrento, BC, Canada
4speeds4me
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,089
Sorrento, BC, Canada
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Not sure what the issues you are finding are, but I can tell you that when it comes to doing the floorpans, you won't be welding a continuous bead. Body metal is pretty thin, and the constant heat buildup will start to cause blowouts. Practice getting a good puddle in short (~1 second) bursts. Go slow, and keep it cool. There are some very talented metalworkers here that can give way better info than I but I will be happy to share what I can...
2 Demons...no, not my kids!
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Re: My Journey: 1973 Dodge Power Wagon
[Re: 4speeds4me]
#246541
04/26/09 01:19 AM
04/26/09 01:19 AM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 611 Joplin, MO
734x4PW
OP
mopar
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OP
mopar
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 611
Joplin, MO
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Yeah, you're exactly right. When welding the 1" tube to the 18ga. sheet metal on my cart, I could easily burn through if I wasn't careful. Another issue is the use of .030" Flux core. I know it's hated by many, but is a necessary evil in my case until I can procure the MIG kit in order to use .023" wire and gas. Besides, after I'm done, no one will see the floor pans anyway. Thanks for the tip on the short bursting. I should have some time next week to try it out when I begin installing the pans. If anyone else would like to share their own tips, I would (absolutely!) love to hear them as well! By others shared experiences we learn and grow! Mark
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