MiniGibbo 142 Posted May 25, 2013 As above really, as anyone who reads my gti's journal will have noticed I want to seam weld my car but am a little lost on what seams need to be done.. any advice..? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MiniGibbo 142 Posted May 31, 2013 Is it advised to do any of the seams on the pillars up top or the seam across the top of the bulkhead behind the dash..? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
omega 82 Posted May 31, 2013 what is seam welding? I thought it was one continuous weld but some else told me its a stich weld about a inch long then a gap of about a inch then repeat as this is stronger and is likely to distort. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MiniGibbo 142 Posted May 31, 2013 its known as seam welding as youre welding the "seams" of the car but yes it is done by stitch welding to stop heat distortion. That I know, what to do and how I don't haha Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DamirGTI 341 Posted May 31, 2013 what is seam welding? D 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MiniGibbo 142 Posted June 1, 2013 Is there any plates that need to be added in the engine bay..? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welshpug 1,646 Posted June 1, 2013 There are many, depends what your aims are for the car, can you weld and fabricate? 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cameron 16 Posted June 1, 2013 Stitch welding is done to stop cracks spreading, and also because welding the entire seam is a pointless waste of wire. Frankly seam welding is a waste of time and effort for the benefits it brings to a track day car, just stick a good cage in. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MiniGibbo 142 Posted June 1, 2013 I just want to stiffen the shell up a little, got a ten point cage to go with it.. Also a benefit if this car has prolonged track time it won't twist the shell.. Unlikely I know as it won't be being raced every weekend but while its in bits seems a good idea. As for talent, I can work with sheet as I do a lot of industrial cladding and a good friend is doing the welding and giving me a go while we're at it as I've never welded before. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cameron 16 Posted June 1, 2013 Seam welding is a bitch of a job, as you have to get the joint clean first and that can be very difficult with the amount of sealer & paint slapped about the place.. if it sounds like a quick and easy job, it isn't. Honestly, for the extra stiffness it will give you over a 10-point cage, I wouldn't even bother. If you do decide to go for it then I'd just go for the key areas: front subframe, chassis rails, sills, and around the rear beam mounting. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Batfink 201 Posted June 1, 2013 I doubt you will twist the shell, especially if you are running a proper weld in cage. Seems a lot of time and effort for no gain. My shell has strengthening where the cage is joining the chassis and not a lot else and that will run full slicks. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MiniGibbo 142 Posted June 1, 2013 I just thought it would be a good idea as the car is bare and the ideal time. Also if the cars raced in the future it'll be a sorted car. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DamirGTI 341 Posted June 2, 2013 If the car use will be daily drive - i would certainty stiffen up the shell by seam welding rather than fitting a cage in a road/daily drive car . D 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigalthenutter 8 2 Cars Posted June 4, 2013 dont bother seam welding only way you will twist that on a track is smashing it up. Its a long drawn out job to do for very little benefit a cage and strut braces will sufice. only thing i would seam weld is the seam between the floor pan and bulkhead as these tend to part over time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welshpug 1,646 Posted June 4, 2013 I guess you have never experienced the difference between a caged car on stiff springs and an uncaged car.. It all adds up, and if you've got it all apart to sort corrosion you might as well. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dcc 855 Posted June 4, 2013 Even a subtle modification tot he front end such as seam welding makes a monumental difference which you might end up chasing for months by altering front track and suspension geometry. there is a lot of information about the benefits of seam welding online. I will be doing my engine bay and sills this weekend. Ill take some photos to show you the areas I will be doing 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MiniGibbo 142 Posted June 4, 2013 I planned to start welding mine this weekend but I'm too busy with another project, i look forward to your photos Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
309jazzpanda 41 Posted June 8, 2013 As has been said it is worth it in the long run if its all apart anyway I say go for it, get a heat gun and a scraper to get the the original sealant out. Otherwise in a years time you'll think I really wish I had done it while it was apart Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
