Restoration-Mini

Technical Forums => Maintenance and Modifications => Topic started by: Mudhen on December 30, 2012, 10:47:42 AM

Title: MIG spot welding questions
Post by: Mudhen on December 30, 2012, 10:47:42 AM
Sorry for another noob question - but spot welding with my MIG isn't turning out the way I pictured in my head.  About 1-in-10 end up nice - smooth little button weld completely filling the hole I put in the panel.  But the rest of the time?  The hole might not be completely filled in...the weld puddle might have drooled out some, etc.

Do you guys always have nice smooth buttons?

If not, then after welding do you grind them down smooth?  Do you go over them with some sort of filler? (worried about water getting in to any nooks/crannies - or does the paint fill those in?)

Should I NEVER have a hole not completely filled in or just not worry about it?

Thanks again!!
Title: Re: MIG spot welding questions
Post by: 94touring on December 30, 2012, 05:21:05 PM
I'm far from being a pro welder, so yes, there is grinding to clean things up.  I double check for any pin holes left behind and weld in.  Figure a skim coat of filler after its all said and done during the prep phase, you should be good to go.
Title: Re: MIG spot welding questions
Post by: Mudhen on December 31, 2012, 03:58:45 AM
When did Minis start having seam covers (or were they ever put on at the factory)?
Title: Re: MIG spot welding questions
Post by: 94touring on December 31, 2012, 08:26:52 AM
I thought they always had seam covers?
Title: Re: MIG spot welding questions
Post by: joltfreak on December 31, 2012, 04:30:41 PM
Quote from: 94touring on December 31, 2012, 08:26:52 AM
I thought they always had seam covers?


So did I.
Title: Re: MIG spot welding questions
Post by: Mudhen on January 01, 2013, 04:25:36 AM
All seams or just the upper ones?
Title: Re: MIG spot welding questions
Post by: 94touring on January 02, 2013, 07:09:41 AM
They had the 4 seam covers on each corner, no gutter covers till later models, and the cill seam cover was a variety of trim pieces over the years.  I think that about covers it lol.