[RudeMan]

Most folks don't have their own oxy-acetylene bottles and torch but if you have a propane torch tip you might try a bottle of Map gas to see if it will be hot enough to melt the bronze metal. You could try to heat it up and brush it off with a wire brush. It less destructive than trying to remove it with a grinder due to the tight crevices.

Also that corner is going to be rusted on the underside as well. It makes it a little trickier for a novice welder as you will blow lot of holes unless you are familiar with both the process and the machine.

No doubt. I may try to weld a reinforcement piece under the corner to form the ledge and the weld another identical piece on top of it. We’ll see. As for the brass I was also thinking of leaving it in tact and using epoxy weld to extend a section of steel over. By the way, can you recommend a good mig / gas welder that’s not too expensive ?

 

[RudeMan]

Glen, you have to check out this build.

1966 Convertible Restoration from a basket case

That’s so funny. Didn’t you suggest I check out one of his YouTube vids a few weeks back ?. Anyway, I ended up emailing him and we’ve actually now spoken twice. Doug is a great guy and it’s been a good connection. He made some great suggestions about rebuilding the tops of my pillars and taking it in small sections in terms of fashioning the metal. I was telling him about VMF on Saturday (yesterday) and telling him how much it has helped me. I guess he must have joined. Cool, I’ll check out his post and jump in. Thanks Brian.

 

[Caper50]

Glen, a gas welder is the way to go. Check out the local classifieds in your area for a used Lincoln 180. Their 140 version might be ok too but my experience is only with a couple of 180's that I used.

 

[RudeMan]

Glen, a gas welder is the way to go. Check out the local classifieds in your area for a used Lincoln 180. Their 140 version might be ok too but my experience is only with a couple of 180's that I used.

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll see what I can find!

 

[RudeMan]

Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll see what I can find!

so there is a used 220V Lincoln 175 for sale that looks like it’s in pretty good shape. $400. But I can buy a bran new Lincoln 135 for less. The 135 advertises thickness up to 3/16 Any thoughts. I’d have to convert to 220 for the used unit

 

[RudeMan]

Glen, a gas welder is the way to go. Check out the local classifieds in your area for a used Lincoln 180. Their 140 version might be ok too but my experience is only with a couple of 180's that I used.

so there is a used 220V Lincoln 175 for sale that looks like it’s in pretty good shape. $400. But I can buy a bran new Lincoln 135 for less. The 135 advertises thickness up to 3/16 Any thoughts. I’d have to convert to 220 for the used unit

 

[Bad66GT]

With complete convertible body shells being sold they dont have that section of replacement sheet metal available?

Chris

 

[Caper50]

Glen, I have no experience with the 170 so can't help you there. I think I remember a few forum users talking about an Eastwood 135 model that just so happens to be on-sale right now for $229. Eastwood 135 Amp MIG Welder

Or with cart for $326 Eastwood MIG Welder 135 Amp and Cart

Josh @Lizer has been using one of these. Perhaps he can offer his opinion on this particular model.

 

[Lizer]

Glen, I have no experience with the 170 so can't help you there. I think I remember a few forum users talking about an Eastwood 135 model that just so happens to be on-sale right now for $229. Eastwood 135 Amp MIG Welder

Or with cart for $326 Eastwood MIG Welder 135 Amp and Cart

Josh @Lizer has been using one of these. Perhaps he can offer his opinion on this particular model.

I've had my Mig 135 for about 12 years now. It looks like a direct copy of a Miller in every regard (same knobs, graphics, etc). It's been a really good welder for me, I use it a lot. I haven't had any issues with mine. I was happy enough with it that I bought Eastwood's plasma cutter too a year or two ago.

 

[xcelr8]

I've also had the MIG 135 from Eastwood for quite some time w/out any problems. Did my entire car and numerous odd jobs with it. No complaints.

 

[RudeMan]

Thanks for that. Yes I’m leaning toward taking advantage of that sale and not having to patch in another 220 circuit. I was only wondering if the higher amperage of the 170 would come in handy for certain situations. But I don’t think there is any steel on a 66 mustang much thicker than 1/8 inch. The Lincoln 135 is rated for up to 3/16 which seems like plenty to me. Either way I’ll be starting from scratch with huge learning curve ahead.