Need tips for protecting & fitting new old stock inner w

[andyreeder]

Hi I have just purchased some new old stock front inner wings that have some surface rust. What I would like to know is the best way to protect them before and after fitting/welding them. Are they any good joint sealers to put between the joint and something better that just under seal?

Also are they any tips on fitting them? Although I can weld I have never removed or replaced any major body panels before.

[MoggyTech]

You can use weld through primer before welding new metal into place, followed by weld seam sealer to seal the joint. As for the fitting. Make sure you measure everything several times, and use good quailty panel grips before you start welding. Check alignment several times. Tack weld first to avoid heat distortion. If the brake components are still fitted, protect them from welding slag, or better still remove them.

Get rid of all surface rust with a wire wheel in an angle grinder first, then treat with a rust inhibitor.

[chickenjohn]

Good advice above. When the inner wings are in place, prime them with Zinc rich primer (available from paint factors), then use a good paint, I use chassis black paint, two coats, when thei is all dry it then gets coated in waxoyl/ dinitrol.

Don;t use underseal, its basically rubbish, over time it seperates from the metal, trapping moisture and actually encouraging rust, which festers away hidden till the MOT man hits it with a hammer. A good paint system followed by wax protection is the way to go IMHO, allows you to keep an eye on any stone damage etc.

[bigginger]

Maybe stonechip paint over the zinc primer? I haven't seen the long term results yet, but have put some on to see

[chickenjohn]

You could use stone chip, but I believe it needs to be primed and top coated as its porous. I seem to remember JLH has commented on this in the past- he's the paint expert.

[bigginger]

Indeed - on both counts, and it's what I did

[andyreeder]

"You can use weld through primer before welding new metal into place, followed by weld seam sealer to seal the joint".

Can you give me a name of a good products to use as above please, I asume some one out there must have tryed and tested one or two.

Many thanks Andy R

[jonathon]

Blimey John, certainly wouldn't claim that,
I'd go with zinc rich/weld through primer on each panel to be welded together, cleaned up re zinc'd and seal sealed. We use a wet on wet sealer which can be smoothed easily, with panel wipe on finger, so you can feather edge it and loose the look of heavily applied sealer.
I'd then etch and prime in your chosen paint celly/2K. stone chip, we prefer Gravitex , re prime and top coat then apply 3M's excellent underseal preferably with a shultz gun, for even application.

[bmcecosse]

And take great care if you are welding anywhere near the petrol tank or the petrol feed line. Also - disconnect the alternator (if you have one) before doing any electric welding on the car.

[Kevin]

I have removed your other posting as requested Andy.