Okay experts... What's your preference: flange or butt?

[mikes68]

Prepping to assist Cruzn65 with his Cruzn66 project and the RH rear floor needs work. So for the panel beaters here, how big a section will you go when just doing a butt weld on sheet metal repairs before you need to go with a flanged (lap) weld?

A square inch section, 6x6 inch section - no big deal but a square foot section, bigger? Thoughts / advice please...

There may be some other factors of course such as a complex form of the sheet metal as is the case with this rear section so it might not be straight forward.

Looking to do this section repair in the next week or two.

[hybrid]

The only overlapped sections I did were the complete floors.
Everything else was a butt job.

[nassi]

Everything else was a butt job.

I've heard that about you :rotfl:

[hybrid]

I knew I should have said somewhere in there that I preferred flange

[ozbilt]

Legally it should be lapped, however if you have someone that can weld, then I would butt weld it.

If lap welding, then the full weld is on the underside as you can then finish it off so it becomes undetectable. Also moisture cannot get in from the road. Top is tack welded & sealed.

(edited for spelling)

[mikes68]

Legally it should be lapped, however if you have someone that can weld, then I would butt weld it.

If lap welding, then the full weld is on the underside as you can then finish it off so it becomes undetectable. Also moisture cannot get in from the road. Top is tack welded & sealed.

Was expecting that might be the case thanks Kerry. I was planning on butt welding - no probs if it was my project as i would just flip it over on the rotisserie however it is going to be a PITA overhead welding from the underside - but if that is what needs to be done then so be it!

I am guessing that Craig needs to be getting his hand in on this bit then

PS: thread name updated :rotfl:

[ozbilt]

BTW, the lap only needs to be minimal (used to be 1/2" but I get it down to a couple of mm, just enough that I can tack it on the top & hammer it so the joint is together for the underside welding.

[Cruzn65]

Was expecting that might be the case thanks Kerry. I was planning on butt welding - no probs if it was my project as i would just flip it over on the rotisserie however it is going to be a PITA overhead welding from the underside - but if that is what needs to be done then so be it!

I am guessing that Craig needs to be getting his hand in on this bit then

PS: thread name updated :rotfl:

well all I can do is support your aches and pains from welding at weird angles with cartons of beer.... Im not touching the butt issue

have access to the ramps Mike so we could get some clearance BUTT appreciate that might not be too good.... alternative is to see if Exhausted can allow access to hoist

[mikes68]

Interesting how the change of the thread name occurs and in you jump Craig...

Ramps will be fine. I have a set here. Just need to fill the fuel tank and check for leaks running down forward towards the welding area and we will be right to go

[mikes68]

BTW, the lap only needs to be minimal (used to be 1/2" but I get it down to a couple of mm, just enough that I can tack it on the top & hammer it so the joint is together for the underside welding.

Might be inclined to do that as it will be easier to prevent blowing holes through a butt weld - yeah yeah I know, bring it on guys...

[ozbilt]

Might be inclined to do that as it will be easier to prevent blowing holes through a butt

Don't you hate it when that happens .....

[Cruzn65]

BTW, the lap only needs to be minimal (used to be 1/2" but I get it down to a couple of mm, just enough that I can tack it on the top & hammer it so the joint is together for the underside welding.

Might be inclined to do that as it will be easier to prevent blowing holes through a butt weld - yeah yeah I know, bring it on guys...

holes.. butts... next you'll be asking to borrow nassi's camp stretcher!

[nassi]

no way

[soc123_au]

Either, any hole is a goal!

[hybrid]

That's AFL talk where they get a point for missing.