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Old 12-19-2022, 11:18 AM   #173
dsraven
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Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: calgary alberta
Posts: 7,830
Re: 1958 Apache Big Window Loooooong Bed "Lucky"

looks good.
when I do patches I fit the part and hold it in place with magnets, then do small tacks starting at one end with a tack, then go to the other end with a tack and then one side then the other side. this ensures the part doesn't get moved as the welds pull the metal when they heat and cool. I try to tack not too close to a magnet as the magnetic field disrupts the mig welder. then once it's tacked in a few spots I ensure the fit is still like it should be and adjust as required. then I place a tack half way between the existing tacks. letting each one cool, an air blow gun can help this along. tack, cool, tack, cool, placing the tacks half way between the other tacks and working at opposite areas between tacks and checking fitment. if I have access easily to the back side of the panel sometimes I will hammer on dolly right on the tack weld when it is still cooking hot. this expands the weld and when it cools the panel doesn't shrink or pull so much.
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