More body advice

idiocrates · Post by **idiocrates** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:33 am

I'm getting pretty close to having the tub off my M38A1 and its pretty obvious its going to need new hat channels, new front floor pans, and a new riser at the minimum with the rear floor as optional....aka...if money allows. My question is.......when it comes to welding in these new parts....what specs are prefered for the welder? I have a Lincoln AC/DC 125 stick welder but understand this is not the best welder for body work. So....if I opt to buy a MIG welder....

1. What's the best size MIG unit for this kind of work
2. What type of wire do I use....flux or solid
3. What gauge of wire do I use
4. Is shielding gas required...or preferred

Thanks.

Jim

Cacti_Ken · Post by **Cacti_Ken** » Mon Dec 15, 2008 3:25 pm

Jim, I had a 220 volt 295 amp AC arc welder when I started restoration on my jeep. But that certainly wouldn't cut in even if using the lowest setting for trying to weld sheet metal. I ended up buying a Miller Matic 135. I specifically bought that brand because of the variable controls for wire speed and voltage adjustment over the brands that were locally sold that have a slide switch for controlling at lease one of those settings.
The 135 can weld as thin as 24ga or up to 3/16" I believe Millers and Lincolns are higher in cost than Hobarts. You will have to search the internet and compare the specs on them. The wire size you use will depend on the metal thickness.
I believe you will find the use of gas when welding with wire is the best way to go, with no mess and cleanup of the weld except for smoothing with your grinding pad.
I spent a lot of money on just stuff like this for the restoration. When I started I didn't even have a shop big enough to do this type of work in. Specifcally a vehicle restoration job.
Ken

shack · Post by **shack** » Sun Dec 28, 2008 7:53 pm

Hi Ken,
What did you have to pay for a Miller 135?
Regards, Joel

north-shore · Post by **north-shore** » Tue Dec 30, 2008 4:44 pm

Hi,
I have Lincoln mig welder on 220v and is perfect for my body work

Here me whit my welder working on my 1940 cab 11 Field Artillery Tractor and it work perfect

SteveJ · Post by **SteveJ** » Wed Dec 31, 2008 6:04 pm

I use an ESAB Miggy 125 for body panel stuff. Its been a great little welder and gets the job done. Its got the argon/co2 gas bottle wich I find much better than using flux core wire.

CMP field artillary tractor!! What a cool project.