Hi all,
I suspect I know what you'll say, but please hear me out ......
My chassis needs a lot of welding. New floorpans and drops for the seats, Napolean's Hat, front frame bottom plate with perhaps a small repair to the main part of the front frame where it meets the bottom plate.
I'm really keen to keep the chassis because the V5 has it as 'Nova' and I happen to like the reg number (not that it's got any value). I've had the car since 1987 and it would be a shame if I had to change the reg number.
Anyway, I've a little experience of arc welding with my own welder, but it's not suitable of course. I'm therefore investigating options for a mig welder. Top of my list is a Clarke 135TE Turbo MIG Welder which is currently on sale from machine mart for a VAT free price of £250. The information on this welder suggests that it's easy to use for beginners and will weld anything up to 5mm.
I'm a very practical person (I'm self employed doing property maintenance, have renovated and extended my house myself, and have restored a classic sailing catamaran) so have wide experience of tackling problems and dealing with materials, etc.
The nagging doubt I have is the safety of the vehicle. Will my welds be strong enough?
Anyway, I'm looking for your experiences of tackling welding and your recommendations on whether or not I should just pay someone to do it for me. I know that there are companies out there who will do a fantastic job, but for me the whole thing is .... it's a kit car, and the owner should be the one who builds/restores it. Maybe I'm just feeling guilty because I bought her from the guy who actually built her?
Anyway, I'd welcome your thoughts and advice.
Cheers, Alistair