DeTomaso Mailing List: November 99, Message #370

In any event, thanks to all on the querie regarding fuel squirting for
the 351. I've learned a lot and will learn even more. Now to my MIG
follies:

I finally welded in the support "braces" so I can plug weld the rocker
panel back into place. Took me quite a while but in the mean time I've
managed to hone my skills a bit more on welding (still learning). But
the most difficult part was trying to weld in my patch to replace that
rusted corner of the car. It turns out there was much more lead that I
expected! I ended up die grinding as much as the stuff off as possible
until I started to see sparks flying off the disc. Good, that meant I
finally hit iron. But unfortunately, I discovered this mess during my
intial attempts to weld. Summarily, my efforts kinda look like swiss
cheese. But FWIW, I did get a sound mechanical bond such that when I
pryed the new welds, it was strong! After some grinding and cleaning
(and finally sealing with POR putty) no one will know the difference!
I'm glad about that.

But the biggest thing I've learned was to ensure that the surfaces must
be clean so that current flow to produce the arc won't be interrupted
and the flow of metal will be fairly consistent. By golly, I think I'm
getting it down!

So, tomorrow, I SHOULD be done with all of this. I'll keep you apprised.
Cal #2428r.