A very newbie question maybe but what gauge metal shld I use to patch floor pans? What about pinholes in the bottom of the rear quarter panels? Looking for a new welder to make the repairs but need to know what I need the welder to handle before I decide which one to buy. Looking at a Hobart 125 amp flux/mig... that shld do the trick shouldn't it? (18 gauge to 3/16"). I have a Miller 300 amp stick for heavier stuff but it's way too hot for floor pans and fenders... even when I was as good a welder as I used to be, which I definitely am not...
Lincoln Electric Weld Pack 100 arc welder wire feed is all I have, with a Argon tank. .030 steel wire is ok for 20g up to 14g .025 steel wire is ok for 24g up to 14g Ive used this for dashes, and new floor pans, even light mounts for my jeep and high lift mounts.. I did have some problems getting to hot and burning hole's in fifty year old car metal but I worked it out. Someone will jump in here and tell you whats best, this is what iv used..
I use 20 gauge on most of my floor repairs, its easy enough to shape, but thick enough to weld easy, and hold up.
as far as the pin holes go make shure you clean the area verry well and you can tack them shut buy tacking one side and alternating around the hole leting each one cool before starting the next. when its filled grind the pile flat then touch up with the welder as needed. clean your floor and get some rust converter on the pin hole groups and your done. o dont use this method on pin holes bigger than 1/4" it will fall out. hope this helps a bit.
