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How much welding can a van take?

Posted: 22 Jul 2019, 13:47
by LewisMac
It seems like you can buy every panel needed to replace rusted ones and i'm just wondering how many times can you replace a panel?

Will they all eventually rust and dissolve or can one keep their van alive by just replacing things?

Re: How much welding can a van take?

Posted: 22 Jul 2019, 16:11
by itchyfeet
Yes it can be kept going indefinitely, even it a part is not made it can be fabricated. Split screens now have entire bodyshells reproducted, one day the T25 will probably have this available too.

It all comes down to money.

Re: How much welding can a van take?

Posted: 22 Jul 2019, 17:11
by 937carrera
... and when you spend it....... more money up front on the restoration with quality prep and anti corrosion treatments as well as the paint, then it'll last a long time. Bang the panel on and blow it over quickly with a top coat to make it look pretty and old rusty will be back before too long

Re: How much welding can a van take?

Posted: 22 Jul 2019, 18:04
by Mr Bean
Yes having recovered a number of convincing scrappers I totally agree. :ok The main priority is maintaining or being able to recover accurately the critical dimensions. For instance rebuilding a structure in situ replacing elements of the structure one at a time until the whole structure becomes new metal. For instance when rebuilding the lower section of my my side door I tack welded the new metal in position with the door closed then removed the door again for final welding. It would be sad to do a cracking job only to discover it was a twisted by a critical few millimeters. Or building a jig referencing the axis of bearing housings or Bolt holes etc before you cut away the too much. In this respect rust repair can often achieve more accurate results than for instance straightening a distorted chassis after crash damage especially for the street/hobby workshop brigade who often have to anchor dented rear ends for instance to a drain hole grate weighed down with a vehicle before they undertake a very short sprint start. :shock:
I started with an arc welder with Mrs Bean turning down the amps after my striking up. I then moved on to M.I.G. and finally after all these years have T.I.G. welder which I liken to Oxyacetylene but without the collateral heat damage. I still weld rusted out floor panels etc, from above where the metal is clean and the view is better plus you don't get sparks down your sleeves. Even so having witnessed/been involved in one or two garage fires :oops: I will not undertake even the smallest welding task without removing the petrol tank and always try to have someone on fire watch - Mrs Bean won't do it any more though :( .

Re: How much welding can a van take?

Posted: 24 Jul 2019, 19:15
by OxfordBertha25
I've had some mad quotes to do the welding required for MOT, that much so it is making me seriously think about moving it on already :cry: the replacement panels seem cheap, but the labour cost are mad! Currently stripping the van back to just a driver seat then go from there!

Re: How much welding can a van take?

Posted: 07 Oct 2019, 20:45
by asterix_the_gaul
The problem especially with mot welding is two fold, not that many mechanics like welding and to do it properly as in for MOT critical bits is really time consuming as they have to do a decent job. Therefore it's not paid well unless you charge your normal hourly rate which generates a big bill or do it as a fixed cost reasonably priced job which works out at poor hourly rate. A welding specialist may be your best bet as they become a specialist as they love welding and are quick enough that they can make a living doing it.
Learning to diy is the other way, as then you don't pay for your time but you do have to invest in equipment, actually learning and practice before taking on critical bits

Re: How much welding can a van take?

Posted: 08 Oct 2019, 11:45
by Mr Bean
Wow that's a rave from the grave so to speak!
And sadly you have to be some kind of a nutcase to widen your DIY skills and equipment to vehicle welding as the initial cost and initial attempts can be really disheartening followed by the further shock when you apply your hard earned experience to weld upside down in the dark with balls of molten metal somehow getting inside your clothes or in your boots and suddenly realizing that the under seal has caught fire when you pear out from behind the welding mast. :shock: Defo a candidate for the seven P's :roll:

Re: How much welding can a van take?

Posted: 09 Oct 2019, 14:22
by bigbadbob76
Mr Bean wrote:And sadly you have to be some kind of a nutcase..........
Guilty as charged. :rofl

Re: How much welding can a van take?

Posted: 09 Oct 2019, 23:18
by Ant-t
Sounds like a bad experience whilst learning to weld!! :shock: Pretty glad I learnt to do it, saved a lot of money and kept my van on the road. Agree it's not for everyone but it's definitely a handy thing to be able to do when owning an old vehicle
:ok