"Rainbow" (rainbeaux)
06/01/2019 at 09:59 • Filed to: None
1
11|
"Rainbow" (rainbeaux)
06/01/2019 at 09:59 • Filed to: None | 1
| 11 |
As you may remember, my Volvo really only needs new floors (and tires) to be roadworthy. The problem is I’m really nervous about welding. I WANT to relearn that skill, but I’d rather do it on something more low-risk than a car. Last thing I want is to fry the electronics, start a fire, or both. So anyway, is it *really* necessary to weld my scrap metal over the holes instead of just drilling and bolting it down? I get that water will still find its way in through the cracks when I hit puddles, but I honestly don’t care about that. I just want the car on the road as soon as possible.
Alfalfa
> Rainbow
06/01/2019 at 10:22 |
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It would be so easily undone that I honestly can’t see the harm in it. You could just weld it later if you wanted.
Pixel
> Rainbow
06/01/2019 at 10:32 |
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If it is just the sheet metal parts of the floor, and not any of the structural boxed section, it is totally fine.
In fact, don’t bother with bolts and use short self-tapping screws or pop-rivets . Yo u can cut out the bad metal, paint the edge so it doesn’t keep rusting, and use any sort of exterior caulking/sealant on the overlapping flange you are screwing to. Th at will keep the moisture/etc out until you get a chance to weld a new piece in. All of it is easily undone, so you aren’t sc rewing future you.
shop-teacher
> Rainbow
06/01/2019 at 10:36 |
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I mean, I guess that’s no worse that the sheet metal screws and painters caulk we used to “fix” my buddy’s Jeep in high school.
Here’s the catch thoigh. Th is being a unibody car (I think), a lot of the car’s structural rigidity comes from the floor. So, if you don’t fix the floor properly and you end up in a crash , instead of a classic Volvo tank, your car will wad up like a beer can.
KnowsAboutCars
> Rainbow
06/01/2019 at 10:41 |
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I’d personally probably get some scrap sheetmetal to learn welding and save the car. I guess the bolted on floor works at least for a while especially if you seal it properly.
Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo
> Rainbow
06/01/2019 at 11:12 |
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What about pop rivets? And silicone sealant. Probably how I’d go. And from what I understand, welding sheet metal can be tricky because it’ll melt through.
We had to do this with cars when I lived in Germany. We’d go out and buy new rocker panels and cut them up and get them welded onto the outside of the car at the bottom of the frame.
Hoccy
> Rainbow
06/01/2019 at 11:42 |
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There are few cars that are more suited for (re)learning to weld. There aren’t that much electronics, and you’ll be taking out anything that could catch fire anyways. Besides if something should go wrong, parts are plenty. I’d always want to do it properly if you’re already investing time and money into the car.
Captain of the Enterprise
> Rainbow
06/01/2019 at 11:47 |
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I’ d practice on scrap metal and then do the car
aberson Bresident of the FullyAssed Committe
> Rainbow
06/01/2019 at 12:21 |
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It all depends on how trashed the floors already are. If it’s only a few minor holes and still structurally
sound
sure go ahead and do it,
it may not be the
proper
way to do but
you can always go back later and do it right when you have enough experience to do it well because really cutting out a floor pan and haphazardly welding in a new one without knowing what you’re doing would be more dangerous and unsafe than just covering up a few small holes with another layer of metal. Do keep in mind though that it may accelerate
the rust due to water getting trapped between the two layers of metal.
Manwich - now Keto-Friendly
> Rainbow
06/01/2019 at 13:03 |
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I recommend you read Study Study Study’s posts on what h is $500 Datsun 240Z cost. P art of his project including welding in a new floor . Here’s the first one of his long journey that included teaching himself how to weld.
https://oppositelock.kinja.com/what-it-cost-me-to-own-a-500-car-part-1-1618545599
MM54
> Rainbow
06/02/2019 at 19:39 |
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Can it be done? Sure. It’s not the right way to do it, but it’ll get it back on the road faster. Depending how much original material is missing you may be compromising
structural integrity though - worst case it breaks when you hit a big bump, best case it’s a little squeaky. Welding sheetmetal isn’t that bad if you’re careful and practice a bit.
oldmxer
> Rainbow
06/03/2019 at 22:12 |
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air powered pop riveter from harfreight, it will be with you long time