!979 Rabbit Diesel Need help!

[Blocksmith]

If you've got it that torn down, I think it'd be a real shame to not stitch weld the chassis while you're at it..

[theman53]

If you want it to stay in this condition forever. RUST BULLET. Nothing works better.

[vw-tim]

so just wanting to update alittle bit ive been wire wheeling the bottom cleaning stuff up i should have it all cleaned up pretty soon then i was thinking of cutting out the rust and prepare to weld in new floor pans what do you guys suggest on cutting the metal out?

[vw-tim]

If you want it to stay in this condition forever. RUST BULLET. Nothing works better.

i will definitely consider that! isnt it just like the por15 stuff?

[nathantheengineer]

Strong work!! looking great.  I love the wooden rotisserie too, fantastic idea.

I use a selection of grinders, mini - 9".

Used plenty of plasma's in the course of work but always on heavy gauge ( 10mm and above) never tried it on bodywork.

I do keep looking at the one in Frost restoration catalogue.

Keep it up fella.

[theman53]

Some people say that Rust bullet is the same as por15, but I have used both. I would pay 2x as much for Rust Bullet as I would for Por 15. There is no comparision to rust and corrosion protection. Plus, I know they are not the same as Rust Bullet is UV stable and Por 15 is not, unless you buy the topcoat for it, then you have to use the original underneath. I haven't used it for a boat, but on the directions it says if you follow the directions on Rust Bullet and put 2 coats on a boat hull, it will protect it indefinately in saltwater use...I believe them from the results I have seen. >endplug

[vw-tim]

Some people say that Rust bullet is the same as por15, but I have used both. I would pay 2x as much for Rust Bullet as I would for Por 15. There is no comparision to rust and corrosion protection. Plus, I know they are not the same as Rust Bullet is UV stable and Por 15 is not, unless you buy the topcoat for it, then you have to use the original underneath. I haven't used it for a boat, but on the directions it says if you follow the directions on Rust Bullet and put 2 coats on a boat hull, it will protect it indefinately in saltwater use...I believe them from the results I have seen. >endplug

okay right on! ill go with the rust bullet then ha

[vw-tim]

okay so i have a question i have pretty much both floors wirewheeled and cleaned up but should i do the rest of the car where the tank goes and the wheel well? or should i leave the factory like rubbery stuff? what do you guys suggest?

[theman53]

If you are going to rust bullet do it all.

[vw-tim]

If you are going to rust bullet do it all.

okay i will i guess i should do it all the first time rather then risk it later

[vw-tim]

so just wanted to do an update got the engine bay all painted a solid color pretty much just spray bombed it but its looks better then it did so itll do. just wanted to post up some picks hopefully ill be buying a welder soon and then ill get these holes in the floor all fixed up!

before:


after:

[vw-tim]

Starting to look at the floor boards now I'm a little concerned with rust here. I dont know if this is a big deal but how much rust is to much rust that just isn't worth fixing? should i be concerned with any of this stuff here? I'm manly looking at like the tunnel part that concerns me.

[CarlosA]

If you aren`t cutting into structural areas, and aren`t buying pans - just start welding together patch panels, you`ll be surprised how fast it goes. You can beat on the metal and form it to fit the most difficult areas too. Use a tire or a block of wood for an anvil if nothing else.

I know you aren`t experienced with welding, but once you have some practice its possible to do great work with even a $99 harbor freight welder. For this kind of work that is so rusty and dirty i`d hang up my TIG and go to the stick welder - or if no experience use ANY flux core wire welder.

Just tack in an area, move on every few inches and do the same, go over it all with a wire wheel on a grinder then repeat - you`ll get much better results than if you try to tack on top of slag, etc. The cleaner you can get your weld area the better your results will be, even if its rusty and pitted.

[vw-tim]

If you aren`t cutting into structural areas, and aren`t buying pans - just start welding together patch panels, you`ll be surprised how fast it goes. You can beat on the metal and form it to fit the most difficult areas too. Use a tire or a block of wood for an anvil if nothing else.

I know you aren`t experienced with welding, but once you have some practice its possible to do great work with even a $99 harbor freight welder. For this kind of work that is so rusty and dirty i`d hang up my TIG and go to the stick welder - or if no experience use ANY flux core wire welder.

Just tack in an area, move on every few inches and do the same, go over it all with a wire wheel on a grinder then repeat - you`ll get much better results than if you try to tack on top of slag, etc. The cleaner you can get your weld area the better your results will be, even if its rusty and pitted.

okay good deal man! and yeah i have 0 experience with welding but I guess doing these floor pans is a good time to start and learn how to weld. so somthing like this would be decent enough to replace my floor pans?

so you think just picking up this would be good to learn on and just get these floor pans done money got really tight for me.
http://www.harborfreight.com/Wire-Welder-90-Amp-Flux-68887.html?ccdenc=eyJjb2RlIjoiMjk5NzI0ODUiLCJza3UiOiI2ODg4NyIsImlzIjoiOTkuOTkiLCJwcm9kdWN0X2lk%0D%0AIjoiODQ5NCJ9%0D%0A

i was saving up to get this should:
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200306073_200306073

should i just save up the money or just go with the cheaper HF one and maybe once i get more experienced and $ saved up buy something better? what do you think cuz it looks like i just need to be welding in new floor pans nothing else.

[CarlosA]

The Hobart is a much better machine and should you ever want to weld together something then having the MIG ability is a big plus. The extra control you get will also make it a less frustrating learning experience. Check eBay for good deals on these sometimes with a little more gear included for the price. I really would like to have any of the smaller Hobarts up to the 210. I had a Lincoln 180C for a while, basically the same machine in terms of quality.

The $99 harbor freight welder is alright too if you are either patient and get it dialed in well OR plan to toss it after this single project is done and gone. I wouldn`t go so far as saying its a good starter machine, because it may be frustrating to learn on it. I can weld anything with a battery and some form of consumable so thats why I give it a couple stars...