I can't remember the sizes of the spools they sell, they sell a bigger one and a smaller one. I would think one of the smaller spools would be enough. But then, you can never have too much welding wire laying around when you need it. Just make sure you buy the right wire.
Scott, if you haven't already done so, you might want to see how much a professional "Traveling" welder would cost/hour. I've used the flux core wire before. It produces THE ugliest bead of all. I'd rather use a stick welder. Depending on the welding machine they rent out to you - the duty cycle will limit the actual weld time (weld, wait. weld, wait. repeat). I wound up giving my little flux core setup to a lady who makes yard art. A pro would have the Argon (or other) setup - no flux core wire. It makes for a much nicer looking and probably stronger weld. Having said that, the flux-core will do the job too (as witnessed by my shotty welding on my shock tower plates). Have I confused you now? Sorry 'bout that.
Not confused at all. I figured I would buy an extra spool of wire, and just keep laying it on until all holes and bumps are filled in, then grind down until I have a nice smooth finish. I have a major job ahead of me. I got the plates cut today. Took quite a bit of time, I started at 9am and finished around 2pm. Using a 7-1/4" metal-cutting blade on a circular saw, and a 4-1/2" angle grinder, cardboard, and marking pens, I think they just might work. I ended up using two of the circular cutters, since I wore them out on the 3/16" plate. But, it wasn't that bad cutting the pieces, it was grinding the edges smooth and making them fit nicely that took the extra time. Will get the welder either tomorrow, if I get my energy back (it is 94 outside, I am pooped!), or maybe wait until next weekend. I have to get those heads on before I go out of town weekend after next. I don't want the cylinders and valve lifters exposed to air and dust for too long.
barry, I'm glad you cleared that up... Yeah, another birthday just went by, it's getting tougher all the time.
OK, I can buy 15 lbs for $56, or 2 lbs for $9.99. I have no idea how much I will need. Closer to 2-4 lbs, or the 15? I cannot see that I will be adding another 10+ lbs to my front-end in welding wire...
Thanks for the 2 lb suggestion. I would've hated to buy 15 lbs at $56 to find out that I had 10 lbs left over. Especially if I weld about once every 5 years! 2 lbs it is...
Shaun, Don't cut unless you need to. I am cutting due to new heads, headers, plugs, and needed space for screwing/unscrewing all of the above.
It's certainly not a necessity, but if you're willing to go through the work, it will give you more hand room when changing plugs.
You definately had me wondering why you went so thick. Also Scoop, you are going to weld the backside too, right?
One more thing about getting metal in your eye because I had to go through the same thing only I waited way to long & ended up in the emergency room. The DR said You can easily get metal in your eye because very small particles can be in you hair or on your hands and just the normal wipping of sweat off your face with your hands can fling it there. I guess the only way to totally prevent it is to dont take off the goggles until your done taking a shower.
Mav, I will be welding both sides. I won't worry so much about "pretty" welds under the fenders, but I will at least weld for strength. The eye thing gets ou being more careful. I bought new goggles that don't need to be taken off so much to be cleaned, emptied of sweat. Have a big fan blowing on me and pushing the dust away from me, and also added a face shield. A little overkill, maybe? But I did the job yesterday without mishap. Then straight to the shower, keeping the eyes closed until after hair was washed. After shower, I used the eye-wash with the little cup you hold onto your eye. Just in case. Now that I have shared my personal hygiene habits with hundreds of strangers...
actually when i did the 351 conversion on my 73 i cut about 2-1/2'' on the bottom of both my shock towers and the came up and left about 1/2" on top by the 3rd bolt and i had plenty of room
