Would like to correspond with someone who has taken the time to butt weld in their full length floor panels on a 70 Chevelle with buckets. My welder prefers to do it this way for a show quality appearance despite the minimal rust out if I do most of the prep work. So, I want to make sure I have all the bases covered. Body is internally braced and will be secured to the frame with new mounts while one side is welded completely before proceeding to the other. Thanks. Bill

Hi Bill not sure what you after. I have done both overlap and butt weld. butt weld takes ALOT longer to FIT the pannel and keep repositioning the seam clamps.It is the best way to do the job . BUT IMHO if its not a concourced 100% resto not worth the extra hassel . My.02
If you doing the prep work jusy CLEAN CLEAN bot top and bottom in prep of the
job.

Wayne KLine
ACES 1556
TCg

I made the rounds looking for a shop to do the fender patches on my 70 Chevelle. The last place I went said he would ONLY butt-weld them. If I wanted them over lapped I should go someplace else.

This was the only shop that 1) would let me provide the patch panel (actually he bought it from the place I was gonna get it and charged me his cost), and 2) was not concerned about losing a sale due to a welding preference.

He did the work, and doubt anyone could tell it was done looking inside or outside. Finished price was fairly close to most of the other shops as it turns out.

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DG
Springfield, Ohio


My 70 Malibu http://www.wright.edu/~adams.41/chevy.htm
dga@erinet.com
TEAM Chevelle Member #0086
eBay username: dg98adams

[This message has been edited by DG (edited 04-20-2000).]

[This message has been edited by DG (edited 04-20-2000).]

I agree with Wayne! I did one side at a time on a 69 Elcamino. I lap welded the seams by about on top (1/8" to 3/16") then welded the underside overlap, then grinding off any excessive weld build up & for me that was a lot of grinding http://www.chevelles.com/forum/redface.gif You couldn't tell they were replacement pans after I undercoated them http://www.chevelles.com/forum/cool.gif
Is he going TIG or MIG weld them? TIG is beter for butt welding.
I don't understand why he would use internal bracing if the car is bolted to the frame? But then again I reworked the floor pans on an Elcamino.
The chances of the lap weld rusting is nill because of the absents of air between the two welds, providing you don't get to wide of a lap, and weld all pin holes as I did.
I just didn't feel comfortable trying to make a Perfect fit as I'm not a welder by profession. If I had the money to pay some one to do it I would have had it butt welded, but I like to do most of the work myself for two reasons,
1) It's fun http://www.chevelles.com/forum/cool.gif
2) I'm cheap http://www.chevelles.com/forum/tongue.gif

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Dale
Lowered '67 Elcamino
ZZ430HP / 4L60
"Canyon Carver"
www.chevelles.com/showroom/elkydriveway1.jpeg (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/elkydriveway1.jpeg)

[This message has been edited by Cardiac (edited 04-20-2000).]

Thanks for your opinions. I should have mentioned that this is a convertible and the internal bracing was for lifting it off the frame to prevent any tweaking of the body to place in new body mounts, rebolting it to the frame, welding in both floor panels, and then removing the body for frame and floor finishing restoration. Bill

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Bill Fuzia
Team Chevelle #598
ACES #3684
70 SS Convertible

WRF,
How did you brace the body? I am going to restore my 70 convertible, and I am trying to decide what is the best way to brace it.

Mike... check your email. Bill

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Bill Fuzia
Team Chevelle #598
ACES #3684
70 SS Convertible

Thanks

Wayne... tried to email you but it came back as undeliverable. Would like to ask you some questions. Thank you. Bill

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Bill Fuzia
Team Chevelle #598
ACES #3684
70 SS Convertible

Try badchevelles@entermail.net or
W3EA@enter.net


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Iwant to state MHO in overlap and butt welds
I hear guys saying overlap will trap water and create rust. HUMMMM posible. But was not most all componets spot welded( not fully welded ) from the factory ? and beleive me that did not use weld through paint.
IMHO the only bad thing about overlap welding,it the SEAM being present at a location not FACTORY CORRECT. SO for the full concorse resto BUTT weld.
But for us driver types. Overlap is AOK.
You must use 3M weld through Paint between the twp peices and seal with brushable or cartrige seam sealer after. But a lesser strength or rust problem . MUMMMMM
I don't think so.
Later
Wayne Kline
ACES 1556
TCg

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Hey WRF....
You have any further information on the steps you took to do the body removal as well as in what order you did your panel replacement? Did you replace the trunk as well and if you did did you do it on or off of the car etc? Sent you an email as well. Thanks Fred hagerman

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1970 L34 SS Chevelle Convertible!
70 SS/RS 396 L78, M21 Camaro!!!!
70 Z/28 LT1 M-21 Numbers Matching awaiting restoration.
70 RS/SS 396 L34 code Camaro awaiting restoration
71 Z/28 RS 468 dual 4's Nitrous
71 Z/28 RS M-22 numbers matching awaiting restoration
1977 Model Red Headed wallet lock, no restoration needed, but sympathy donations accepted! :o)