Joggler

[stag36587]

All

When I weld my external body repair panels, will I need to use a joggler on the new or old panels or do I butt weld instead?

Alastair

[chickenjohn]

Depends on your welding and metalworking skills! Joggling enables an overlap which is technically easier to do, but if you watch the like of American Hotrod or Overhauling, they allways cut and shape the patch to fit (leaving 1mm gap for penetration). then tack weld and then butt weld short seams, alternating from one side to another to minimise distortion.

But for external panels, gas welding is best because the steel weld is left soft and you can dress it back to shape.

Lower door skin sections and lower 1/4 panel sections (2-door saloon) come allready joddled so I plug weld through from the top to the joddled sections.

[bmcecosse]

Should be butt weld - but I think 1mm gap is a bit much!! Try to get them almost touching (there are fancy clips that can do this - but not cheap) , then weld in short runs - then finally dress it down (ideally on both sides if reachable) and re-weld where necessary.

[Alec]

Hello Alastair,

the problem with joggled (or joddled) repairs are that they can trap moisture and cause rusting. If you go that route bear it in mind and treat the joint internally. Also try and have the gap pointing down as water is less likely to be trapped.
Personally I prefer tp butt joint and aim for no gap if possible to minimise the amount of weld applied (I use oxy\acetylene myself and you can weld with virtually no filler at all if the patch is well fitting. Fine for body panels but not for structural)

Alec

[chickenjohn]

Yes, oxy acet with no gap is the best. BMC, if you don;t have a tiny gap (approx 1mm for 1mm steel) when Mig Butt welding then you run the risk of poor penetration.

"(there are fancy clips that can do this - but not cheap) "

I've tried these ( F(*$£ intergrips?) and the gap is far too wide- more like 2mm