how do i fix this
 

So cut out the bedside on my truck to fix a rotted section. I guess I welded it wrong because I didn't tack it and come back and forth along the seam. Where the panel meets along the top of the patch it is warped out... Do I heat the metal up and throw a cold rag on it hammer it down or what ?

Re: how do i fix this
 

A shrinking disc followed by compressed air or wet rag would help....did you hammer and dolley the welds any?

Re: how do i fix this
 

not yet
this is now two days old since I did this weld

Re: how do i fix this
 

That gap should have been non-existent. You want them as absolutely tight as you can get them. More weld to fill in the void, more heat, more shrinking, and nothing to keep it from pulling together as it shrinks. A good pair of OFFSET Wiss or Midwest shears, right and left, would have done a beautiful job of trimming for your patch. Cut the patch to size, scribe onto the quarter, cut out leaving 1/4" extra, then cut the last 1/4" right on the line. Don't use cutoff wheels, the heat introduced is adding distortion before you even get started.



this is a good place for a refresher video..


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAOQfUaRZyw&t=41s



At this point I would suggest grinding down the weld to just above panel surface before planishing (hammer and dolly) to add some stretch back in from the weld shrinking. If you leave all that weld there, you have too much mass to try and stretch.

Re: how do i fix this
 

I honestly would cut it out and start over. Get some more practice in first too. It will save you in the long run.

Re: how do i fix this
 

it also looks like you were trying to weld a "bead" I tack then go to other end of patch back and forth back and forth. I then grind ONLY THE WELD with the edge of a cut off wheel on die grinder.. let cool and tack back and forth again. grinds again. then shine a light behind if at all possible to see pin holes.... if after market bax sides are available that may be your best bet at this time. working that large of an area of filler is frustrating for me.

Re: how do i fix this
 

Agreed....star over, or better yet just replace the bedside and be done.

Re: how do i fix this
 

those bed sides are fairly simple to replace. a small weld at the back and a bunch of bolts