Newbie welder

[Surfmichaels]

I used to be a sound designer out here in LA, small world...I've never run into another sound person before.  Are you a post production guy or live sound?

[soundcontrol]

I worked in L.A as a film sound designer/re-recording mixer for 10 years, before I moved back to Sweden. Post for film and TV, still doing it, both in Sweden and L.A. Drove a Challenger R/T convertible back then, (sold it for $6500 in -96    ). At the time I didn't know any other Mopar guys there, and webforums didn't excist.

[soundcontrol]

Finally got my connectors up! I spotwelded them with a TIG, but I'm gonna have a friend do the actual welding for me, don't trust myself. I practided a lot of TIG welding, I can make nice welds while sitting in a good position at a table, but once under the car it became very difficult, I realize it takes a lot of experience to make it nice with a TIG. Good thing is that my floor boards seems to be in good condition.

[Surfmichaels]

Fit to the floor is looking good! can't wait to see final product. Seems like even more to juggle with the TIG setup 2 hands and upside down with a crazy number of angles, but a pro should make it look  great.

[soundcontrol]

Yeah, it was difficult, took forever to get in a good position, and as a beginner I often dipped the tungsten in the puddle so I had to get out from under the car and grind the tungsten a lot. On top of it all I got a tennis elbow when I scraped and wirebrushed the floorpans from all the undercoating 
The fit got pretty good, the little gaps I have now can be adjusted by pressing or slighty hammer down the floorpan fron inside the car.
It's fun to TIG weld though, gonna keep practicing.

[rhamson]

Bought some angle steel and practiced with about 10ft of welds last weekend to prep for today. Once under the car it was not easy as all the angles really tested me. Here are 2 pics of today's progress, I had to stop as I got tired and the baby woke up... Difficulty, well I think not easy but not impossible, I put about 3 holes in the floor but they all patched up easily. I think I got good penetration and although I don't think I'll get 100% attachment along the floor I think I will get 90% which I am happy with. New plan is to finish up the other connector, epoxy prime everything and then use seam sealer along the welds for a smooth look.... As always feedback is welcome

Looks good! I did the same kit but I used .24 wire. I puddled on the connector then arced across to the floor. Had one hole. As you can see with the lighter wire I still got good penetration. The penetration looks good on yours too.

[Surfmichaels]

Looks good! Do you have a rotisserie? I can see how much nicer that would make things, wish I had the room for one......

[rhamson]

Looks good! Do you have a rotisserie? I can see how much nicer that would make things, wish I had the room for one......

Yes I made one which I would highly recommend if you ever have the room. A lot of the time I can sit on a chair or stand right in front of what it is I am working on. Saves the back and the stress.

[dutch]

 

best investment on any resto

[soundcontrol]

Got my connectors welded in today, came out great, took the whole day though. My friend helped me, wish I could weld like that. I just quickly put a coat of epoxy paint on them, putting the seats in tomorrow, and then I'm off to  http://bigmeet.com/eng/

[dutch]

nice 

[Surfmichaels]

That looks great... Good looking welds

[Topcat]

Expert welding work.

What are your plans for the E brake cabling?

[soundcontrol]

Expert welding work.

What are your plans for the E brake cabling?

I welded in a tube where the cable runs. Have all new stainless steel brake cables, but I'll wait with that until I change
the brakes to Wilwood discs. Have all the parts, just no time to change them right now.

[soundcontrol]

That looks great... Good looking welds

With a lot of practice, I can weld like that in 40 years. Hope they allow TIG welders in the nursing home...