I've been replacing the Floor pans on my 66SS resto and had a question about MIG welding. I usually use a shielding gas when doing this but while I was in the middle of doing the floor pan job the gas ran out. Now I could tell that it wasn't as clean a weld as with but since I'm grinding the welds down anyway, who cares? Right?

Does the shielding gas do anything else but give a cleaner weld? The gas is not too expensive but if I don't need it, well ya know.

Thanks for any advice on this.

Corey



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TC # 233
ACES # ?

71 307 Malibu
66 396 SS Project

Website: www.ChevelleSS.com (http://www.ChevelleSS.com)
Email: corey@chevelles.com

The shielding gas prevents oxygen from getting into the weld. Also, with welding, cleaner is equal to stronger.

If you're not using a shielding gas you should use a flux core wire.

If you don't use the gas, your welds will be weaker, very porous (all the way through), and more prone to rust.

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My Elky Page (http://www.geocities.com/chadjlandry/index.html) (updated 5-1-01)
"Think for yourself. Don't let popular opinion make your decisions for you."
Chad Landry
TC Member #643
ACES Member #04556
'68 El Camino

Thanks Chad, that explains it...Guess I'll have to drag the ole tank down and get it filled.

Thanks

Corey



------------------
TC # 233
ACES # ?

71 307 Malibu
66 396 SS Project

Website: www.ChevelleSS.com (http://www.ChevelleSS.com)
Email: corey@chevelles.com

Definitely use the gas. And be sure to keep the area well ventilated when you're welding inside your car. Believe it or not, you can actually suffocate on argon/CO2.