redNfast
Active Member
Open to suggestions from those with more experience.
I've stick-welded in the past to repair trailers and such. I also perform automated welding with Laser and TIG at work so i'm familiar with penetration and how speed and power affect penetration.
But this is my first time MIG welding, but i'd like to say i have above average fabrication skills and am a quick learner. I have scraps i'll be testing some techniques out prior to working on the car.
At this point, i'm just dissecting out the rust and using cardboard to fit and trim my patch panels back in. I'm taking my time as i want this to go back together as OEM as possible and look factory. One thing i'll note from searching online is that everyone takes a different approach to repairing these. Some have been very good (in my opinion) repairs, and some have been poor and don't really do much to reinforce structural integrity.
To stop the crack, drill a hole # 30 bit. You want the hole to be right at the point of the tear, the weakest part.
A crack or tear, once formed keeps moving as the metal around it flexes. Think jacking or moving the car, drilling a hole stops that. Do not need to weld right a way, you just want to stop it from spreading.
I figure you have a good handle on things. Reading the approach you took to get the K member fitted up. Cutting and shaving bits of metal keeping as much OEM metal to attach it. Important when dealing with unibody construction.