Prep Questions for welding tractor sheet metal part

[Cadman56]

First, I'm not a welder and don't own a welder but I have some questions about how to prep this fender pan on an old JD garden tractor I'm going to restore. First I know the paint has to be removed. Second, I'm going to drill some small holes at the ends of the cracks so the sheet metal won't continue to crack. Is drilling the holes the correct thing to do?
Third, should the cracks be "V" out with a Dremel Tool? If so, should it be done on the top or underside?
Fourth, what welding process would be best to weld this part, mig, tig or stick? Or, does it matter?
The metal thickness of the part is around 0.090". Any other advice/suggestion/info would be greatly appreciated. I'd like to get the prep done then drop it off at a weld shop to get welded. I have the areas that need welded circled in black on the attached pics. TIA for your help.

 

[Old Man Roger]

I don't mean to be a smart as, but let the welder do it. He'll likely just grind away the paint and rust then hit it with a mig welder. Tig is best, but not too many people want to spend the money for tig welding sheet metal.

 

[gearhead1]

All you have to do is put a knotted wire brush cup on a 4-1/2” grinder and remove the paint about an inch each side along the cracks.

MIG is very common and easier to weld thinner stuff than using stick.

 

[readhead]

Let the welder prep it. He knows what he wants. You might do something and he ends up redoing it.

 

[Cadman56]

Thanks guys for the replies. Makes it easy for me. I'll remove the fender pan and take it to the weld shop.

 

[larry_g]

You might find that a body shop might give you better results than a weld shop. It all depends on whether a functioning weld will work or if you want it pretty . It's also not a bad idea to consider adding a backer piece of metal in there to strengthen the area. Welding a crack like that, that has developed from vibration and bending will soon break again unless you stiffen and eliminate the vibrations.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[kerrynzl]

You might find that a body shop might give you better results than a weld shop.
no neat sig line

This is the correct answer ^^^

The only Downside is what is known as "Body Shop Jail" where after 6-12 months they still haven't touched it.

Find a trade school that teaches body shop [AND OFFER TO PAY or make a donation]
They will teach welding , annealing , hammer welding , dollying and filing on your fender under the watchful eye of a very skilled shop teacher.

 

[Monza Harry]

"Body Shop jail" I'm going through electric shop jail right now, funny expression, the experience NOT SO MUCH!

You might find that a body shop might give you better results.....pretty . It's also not a bad idea to consider adding a backer piece of metal in there to strengthen the area. Welding a crack like that, that has developed from vibration and bending will soon break again unless you stiffen and eliminate the vibrations. (True Story)

lg
no neat sig line

Or a wire edge as a strengthener if a plate will not fit. Harry

 

[Terra Nova]

Some great advice already about seeking help from an auto body type shop for that repair. A welding shop will certainly get you a solid functional weld, but since this is a restoration and it's a very visible area more care may be needed.

To avoid "body shop jail" (lol never heard that before but will use it from now on!) you could try posting on some local Facebook buy-sell groups or market place looking for recommendations. A lot of people do paint and body work on the side and take on small jobs like that.

 

[Cadman56]

Thanks guys for all the replies. Excellent advice indeed!

 

[brownbagg]

be more careful of too much heat and warpage

 

[sanddan]

Great excuse to buy a small mig welder and DIY It. I have always approached these jobs by finding out what a pro would charge me and then what the tools would cost to do it myself. If it is even close I then buy the tool. Eventually you can fix most anything yourself. I remodeled my kitchen many years ago and was able to but most of the tools I needed using the quoted labor cost as my budget. A welder and small gas bottle would cost more than a shop would charge but you wouldn’t have any tools later. A no-brainer for me. LOL

 

[WoodsTruck]

Buying more tools almost always a win for me too.

 

[matt_i]

Just adding the option of flux-coated bronze brazing with a torch. Very forgiving in sheetmetal if you DIY, whereas if you haven't mig welded its easy to instantly blow a thru hole that's more challenging to overcome.

 

[Monza Harry]

Just adding the option of flux-coated bronze brazing with a torch. Very forgiving in sheetmetal if you DIY, whereas if you haven't mig welded its easy to instantly blow a thru hole that's more challenging to overcome.

That be a "TFS" [True F@#$%^* Story] right there Sirs! Most body work was done this way until the late 80's early 90's until the advent of "Cheap" [relative term] MIG welders. I would also suggest the smallest tip possible to reduce the impending warpage, Oh, and work fast. Harry