Seam Welding

[MiniGibbo 142]

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..?

 

 

[MiniGibbo 142]

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..?

[omega 82]

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.

[MiniGibbo 142]

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

[DamirGTI 342]

what is seam welding?

 

 

 

D

[MiniGibbo 142]

Is there any plates that need to be added in the engine bay..?

[welshpug 1,656]

There are many, depends what your aims are for the car, can you weld and fabricate?

[Cameron 16]

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.

[MiniGibbo 142]

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.

[Cameron 16]

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.

[Batfink 201]

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.

[MiniGibbo 142]

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.

[DamirGTI 342]

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

[bigalthenutter 8 2 Cars]

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.

[welshpug 1,656]

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.

[dcc 855]

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

[MiniGibbo 142]

I planned to start welding mine this weekend but I'm too busy with another project, i look forward to your photos

[309jazzpanda 41]

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