Suzuki Club UK

You want to use a MIG on a very low setting (but not so low you dont get any penetration) if you use 1.2mm wire it will make it a bit easier too (dont worry if the mig already has 1.6mm wire in it though, that'll be fine!). I guess if you have access to them then you know someone who can weld? if so get them to give you a little 30min/1hr lesson in setting up the mig, holding the torch at the right angles and the general technique of welding. After that its all practice!

1.2mm wire... 1.6mm wire??? I don't know what MIG you've been using but it sounds industrial! wire that thick will well 10mm steel plate!!! Most hobby welders and small automotive welders are normally between 130 and 180 amp and come with 0.8mm wire, although you can use 0.6 for very small applications!
MIG welders are much more controlable on cars and make a tidier job. ARC welders use rods with a coating of flux which once welded leave a crusty mess that would have to be chipped or grinded off!

Welcome to the forum mate... I was looking forward to saying 'AHA... An SJ in similar condition to mine!' but on closer inspection on your pics it's actually in far better condition! LOL!

Ben

Im no welding expert but as said MIG is best. As im useless at setting it up i always practice on sum off cuts first to get the power and feed right.

I find it easiest to spot weld the plates in. Then depending on where it is, wing, floor, roof either just stitch it in or do a bit at a time kinda left middle right. Inch or 2 at a time. If i try and be too ambitious i just burn holes in it. And it already has plenty of them.

Im sure mine is a 150amp. Good for upto 6/7 mm so u can weld good box section for bumpers and sills. If u can make sure its a gas one too. Gasless is a lot harder (for me anyway)

Jordi

ben_moto501 wrote:1.2mm wire... 1.6mm wire??? I don't know what MIG you've been using but it sounds industrial! wire that thick will well 10mm steel plate!!! Most hobby welders and small automotive welders are normally between 130 and 180 amp and come with 0.8mm wire, although you can use 0.6 for very small applications!
MIG welders are much more controlable on cars and make a tidier job. ARC welders use rods with a coating of flux which once welded leave a crusty mess that would have to be chipped or grinded off!

Welcome to the forum mate... I was looking forward to saying 'AHA... An SJ in similar condition to mine!' but on closer inspection on your pics it's actually in far better condition! LOL!

Ben

Hang on, wait a sec! you're right I dont know where those sizes came from must've been having a blonde moment as I use 0.8 what I meant to say was 0.6 is good for suzuki bodywork as its so thin but most Migs come with 0.8 and that will be fine just gotta be a little bit more careful!

what a muppet I am

well log book was found by the guy selling it, so that was sent off yesterday. so should soon be starting it. i need to get it running and mot'd so that i can get the toy home to work on. just looking at some off road tyres at the min.

the mig welder i have access to is very small.. so guessing it is one of the lower powered ones.


as for the rust, i think the worst of it is the rear quater.. but when i actuley get hold of it, im sure ill find more.




im right in thinking the window screen folds down? if so, ive not yet seen anyones projects with pics of it folded...why is that?

The screen does flop foreward, my guess is they're never foreward because no-one ever takes the lid off.

having the screen down is great fun, except for bugs you can also get the doors off