Hello from Mississippi

[swalters]

Hi,

I've been on this site a couple of months now and have learned a ton. I have a '67 Fairlane that I bought a few years ago and it has a lot more rust than advertised.

So far, I've got to :

1. Patch the cowl - not a fun job
2. patch or replace the front torque boxes
3. Redo the butchery that some idiot did to the floor pans. Leaving a one inch, non-welded gap on the bottom of them is guaranteeing that they will rust out again.
4. replace lower rear quarter - I've already got a donor piece
5. Patch a few rusted places in the door corners.

After all of that, i should have have a solid car - at least for a few years

I can stick weld a bit and butcher something with a conventional cutting torch, but I've never done any sheet-metal work. I bought David Gardiner's DVD (great work David!) a few months ago and just bought a Henrob/DHC 2000/Cobra torch.

I'm now working on my fusion welding skills and it's slow go. When I don't blow through, it's a beautiful thing and the weld almost disappears so I'm convinced that it's the way to go. But I'm blowing through more often than not. I'm practicing on 22 gauge and I think it might be a bit thin for my lack of skills. Also, I think my gaps have got to be tighter. Once I get it mastered, I'll then tear into that cowl patch.

Thanks to all that have contributed so far. I've really enjoyed reading the discussions and will hopefully start posting some questions soon to help me get my car in shape for painting.

-Shane
Ovett, MS

[HEATNBEAT]

Welcome Shane!
Yes, 22 gage is tough for a beginner.
I would practice on 18 gage first. then work to 20gage. for the parts you will be welding no need to go any thinner.
good luck

[Ron W]

Hi Shane. Welcome! Sounds like your project is in better shape than the '63 Falcon I'm working on. It needs everything! Ron W

[Joe Hartson]

Shane, welcome to AllMetalShaping and thanks for the introduction. If you get to the Gulf Coast look me up and I will give you a tour of my shop. Glad to have you as a member. There are a few of us in this area.

[swalters]

Thanks Joe.

Where do you buy sheetmetal on the coast? I'm looking for 20 and 18 gage. I'm having trouble finding some in the Hattiesburg/Laurel area.


-Shane

[Joe Hartson]

Shane, You should be able to buy 18 and 20 gauge from any of the big suppliers. I can get it at ISCO in Gulfport but it is not at the lowest price. Golden Metals also in Gulfport has sheet metal. You might approach one of the sheet metal shops and see it you can add some sheets to their next order. Most of the steel and aluminum I have in stock has come from buys at get togethers at different shops.