Thickness of floor panels

[moggyvirgin]

Hi guys,
I've just bought a mig welder and I need to know what thickness the floor panels are so I can set it up right. I haven't got the gauge tool required to get an accurate measurement so I've used a tape measure which with my eyesight isn't a good idea.
I haven't welded before so there's plenty of practising ahead.

[kevin s]

I used 1.25 mm steel for ours which seemed a little thicker than the original which I would estimate was around 1mm.

[amgrave]

Is it a gas or gas-less type of MIG welder. If it's a gas one you need Argon Co2 gas mix for best results welding thin steel. As above I think the steel is 1mm or just under and most people I know have used 1mm steel plate for repairs. Hope this helps, best of luck with your practice.

[les]

I think you'll find it no more than 18 swg

[moggyvirgin]

Thanks guys for your quick replies. It's a gas/gasless mig welder but I'm going to be using it as a gas one and I've already got the co2/argon mix but thanks for the tip anyway.

[kevin s]

My tips for welding ( many years of learning how not to do it!)

-Cleanliness is critical for a really clean weld, take the time to clean all paint and rust off, remember to do both sides of both pieces.

-Its often easier and neater to cut larger areas out and replace rather than fix several local areas of rust.

-Tack repair sections in first starting every couple of inches then closing up to approx every half inch before filling the gaps in.

- after welding make sure you paint or at least wax both sides of the weld, the area either side of the welded area will corrode very quickly.

Kevin

[moggyvirgin]

Thanks Kevin, I will take all that onboard and probably come back with more questions when I start practising.

[Johnny]

Hi there, just wondered what welder you bought. I need to get one myself and want a gas/gasless one to replace most of the car!

Thanks,

John

[moggyvirgin]

Hi John,

I bought a Clarke Mig 151EN Turbo from Machine Mart for £252

Steve

[Johnny]

Great, thanks for the info, how is it going with the welder, are you finding it easy to use?