Advice on welding up a lip

[el Pedro]

I need some advice or suggestions on alternatives.
I picked up a 1972 MGB GT that the previous owner had started to build up as a sebring replica. I have a bit of body work to clean up including the guards. He had the flares made up out of steel but they have no rolled edge. (see photo)

I've looked at a few options, the easiest I was thinking was welding a piece of 3/16" mild steel rod/wire on the inside of the edge to give a smooth rounded edge. Would this be a suitable/easy option?

My other question, if it's a good idea, would it be better to weld it to the inner fender and tack every few inches or weld the outside edge and linish back smooth filling all gaps by tacking and letting it cool.

Appreciate any advice as I don't want to distort the panels or end up with a mess I can't fix!

 

[lukedwag]

Yes. That's exactly how I used to do it when "pulling" fenders in my mk3 vw days. Tack it on from the bottom/back side. Then weld the front outside on in 1/2" shots to keep the heat down.

 

[WoodsTruck]

How did you finish up the inside seam to keep water and corrosion out once complete?

Thanks

 

[astroracer]

How did you finish up the inside seam to keep water and corrosion out once complete?

Thanks

Use 3/16th's or 1/4" brake line. very easy to form over a tire.
Once you are done welding CLEAN the inside of any weld slag or soot (wire brush or lightly sand blast). Spray the joint very liberally with rust converter let that set, then spray a heavy coat of epoxy primer. then fill the void with seam sealer. It will last forever with no rusting.
I did the backsides of all of the weld seams on the bumper I built for my truck. still sealed up and rust free after 17 years.

mark

 

[rsanter]

Yes, you can use a solid round stock welded to the fender lip.
Form it to shape
Tack weld it
Then stitch weld it
Grind smooth
Clean everything up and then use a good seam sealer for auto body to fill the backside

Bob

 

[el Pedro]

Thanks for the advice and replies. Got a roll cage to weld in too so plenty of welding time coming up now.

 

[sqznby]

Nice car.
You're on the right path.
What I would suggest you do though. When you prep it for welding, spray it down with some weld through primer.

 

[astroracer]

Nice car.
You're on the right path.
What I would suggest you do though. When you prep it for welding, spray it down with some weld through primer.

I wouldn't... No "weld through" primer. I don't want to start a ******* match over this stuff but I have used it once. Last time I will ever use it. All it does is make a mess. The "primer" WILL burn off while you are welding so, where ever you have a weld, there will be no primer left and you have to go back and prime it anyway... The stuff smokes and stinks and puts soot into the air while welding and you still have to prep and paint. Waste of time and money in my book...
That's why I get everything cleaned up after welding and spray the welded areas with the rust converter. That will get into all of the inaccessible nooks and crannies to stop any rust that may be there and seal up the welds. Been doing that for many years with no problems.
Mark

 

[sqznby]

I wouldn't... No "weld through" primer. I don't want to start a ******* match over this stuff but I have used it once. Last time I will ever use it. All it does is make a mess. The "primer" WILL burn off while you are welding so, where ever you have a weld, there will be no primer left and you have to go back and prime it anyway... The stuff smokes and stinks and puts soot into the air while welding and you still have to prep and paint. Waste of time and money in my book...
That's why I get everything cleaned up after welding and spray the welded areas with the rust converter. That will get into all of the inaccessible nooks and crannies to stop any rust that may be there and seal up the welds. Been doing that for many years with no problems.
Mark

To each their own, no biggie.
Regardless, after welding it needs to be prepped to prevent any rusting.

 

[mikhett]

In my experience I have found that "rust converters" are incompatible with most epoxy primers.

 

[Hot Rod Grampa]

Once used 1/2" thinwall tubing, not emt, and welded it to the fender. The tubing rounded off the fender lip and as we were building a race car rust was never a consideration. Prepped and painted and off we went.