Covering Welds

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

Ive had my inner arches welded up as they were seperated due to rust, and want to tart up the welds in the engine bay.

 

I whipped to halfords, but they only sold large huge conataining enough to seal about 15 shells.

 

I would like to grind the welds down to make them a bit prettier, but they will never look flat which is why seam sealer would neaten it up I think.

 

There are a lot of people on here experienced with bodywork, so what do people recommend as an alternative to seam sealer? My welder recommended underseal, but the Hammerite waxoil I have stays tacky and isn't paintable.

 

Needs to be brushable really.

[stu8v 68 1 Cars]

For 10-15 quid go to a proper paint shop and buy the correct brushable seam sealer.

 

Its flexable and paintable.

[SurGie 54]

For 10-15 quid go to a proper paint shop and buy the correct brushable seam sealer.

 

Its flexable and paintable.

 

 

Absolutely, i got mine from Innotec online. They cost about £12 each. I have just finished doing my inner wings after the stitch and other welding. Its goes on very well and is very flexible so iv been told. When you order tell them what application its for so you get the right stuff.

 

You will also need a nylon brush from them while your there, its so easy with that brush. Be quick when applying it though, if you take too long the brush will need a clean with spirit.

 

They come in different colours also, i got grey for graphite. It took me hours to get the inner wing fully clean with panel wipe, i have to paint it all with plastic primer, then top coat the cars colour.

 

There's more to this sealant game, especially if you want it to last like me.

[SurGie 54]

A few pics for you >

 

 

 

The inner wings may look dirty on the pics but i can assure you, they were squeaky clean

 

edit> Oh and it looks like i didn't take any pics of the Zinc primer before hand

Edited September 17, 2011 by SurGie

[chipstick 382 1 Cars]

That's a lot of seam sealer

 

Using seam sealer as underseal seems a bit odd. But then it will probably last longer and won't stay tacky like underseal

[SurGie 54]

The stuff i have, has these properties >

 

> No solvents

> odourless

> paintable

> perfect adhesion

> will not shrink or tear

 

Its inno-seal i'v used and its the dogs bolcks, iv been told by them that although its a seam sealer, it has a very high adhesion properties so can be used on flat surfaces like inner wings. I was also told you can use their own very flexible stone-chip instead of just paint, of which i think is the best way to go for good rust preventing properties. After 4 hours dry time it will need a plastic primer, just a flash dusting of 1 coat is enough.

[GilesW 41]

Hum.

 

I wouldn'd use seam sealer as a 'primer' as any water that does find its way above it (between it and the metal) will find it difficult to come out.

 

I would use seam sealer on the seams (nice small seal - enough to cover the joint adequantly).

 

Then a good primer.

Then I like to put a colour coat on.

Then a good flxible stone chip in places that need to be stone chipped.

[SurGie 54]

Its already been primed with zinc primer before it was sealed up. The rest is to stop stones etc eating away at the sealant which then lets water in just like the original sealant does on the 205 GTI's. It will be painted in the cars colour just like it originally had from factory but ten times longer lasting. Not that ill be using it in the rain a lot anyways. Lets face it, the old sealant is over 20 years old and with today's new tech, im sure this stuff would be more flexible and longer lasting than the old stuff originally was.

Edited September 19, 2011 by SurGie

[matt.f 16]

I'd prime it,seal the joins and then stonechip the whole underside of the wheelarch.

[SurGie 54]

If i had of done it that way, it would have looked a bit of a mess due to all the original panel sealant inside the inner wings and its edges i sanded up, it would look odd imo. Iv tried to make it look as original looking as i can, yet its had some welding done for that little bit of extra stiffness to the chassis, as well as the few rusty holes that the badly applied sealant had caused. It may be a bit overkill, but if a jobs worth doing and all that.

[matt.f 16]

3m sprayable sealer is one of the best on the Market imo,you need to buy the gun/nozzle and have an airline available.Not cheap as you will need a few bags,but best is never the cheapest.

[SurGie 54]

Agreed it never is

 

I knew i could get it in a spray form, it just came out too expensive. Im only doing this one car, so not worth buying the gun etc just for a bit on my inner wings. The stone chip and few coats of paint i feel will last over ten years with low amount of mileage. Its been very well applied, no slap and dash like how it was done originally.

 

It is possible in life to do just a good a job without the extra costs, all about will.