New to me 1982 Grand National project basket case

[Texas82GP]

I had forgotten, we used the hell out of this separating the panels as we drilled each spot weld. Steck tools are excellent quality.

20015 Seambuster - Steck Manufacturing

Easily separate spot welded or bonded panels.

steckmfg.com

Also, after doing both rockers, both quarters and the tail panel on my brother's car, I splurged and bought a spot welder for the rocker replacement and 1/4 panel patch panels on my Dad's car. It is so heavy, it took two of us to use it under the car but I love this thing. It really speeds up the work.....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008FCJA56/?tag=gbody-20{creative}&hvpos={adposition}&hvnetw=o&hvrand={random}&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl={devicemodel}&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583657823889850&psc=1

The prices on those have really come down.

***Edit**** fixed the links above

 

[TURNA]

For whatever it’s worth, the harbor freight spot weld drill bit worked good for me while removing welds on the GNX (Grand Prix) rear seat brace stamping.

https://shop.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/3/63657_I.jpg

I used the same one ......actually went through 2 of them.

For the price they worked great

 

[NCTyphoonKid]

For whatever it’s worth, the harbor freight spot weld drill bit worked good for me while removing welds on the GNX (Grand Prix) rear seat brace stamping.

https://shop.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/6/3/63657_I.jpg

They work good, I bought several of them

 

[Texas82GP]

Some guys use Clecoes, some use sheet metal screws, we used a bunch of these...

These are nice too....

These come in several throat lengths....

We have a few of these....

We have a collection of all of the above in various sizes from all the metal replacement we did on my brother's Camaro and my Dad's Galaxie. Just wanted to give you some ideas if you were aware of these. We also used C-Clamps, blocks of wood, whatever would get the job done.

 

[NCTyphoonKid]

Some guys use Clecoes, some use sheet metal screws, we used a bunch of these...

View attachment 127951

These are nice too....

View attachment 127952

View attachment 127953

These come in several throat lengths....

View attachment 127954

We have a few of these....

View attachment 127955

We have a collection of all of the above in various sizes from all the metal replacement we did on my brother's Camaro and my Dad's Galaxie. Just wanted to give you some ideas if you were aware of these. We also used C-Clamps, blocks of wood, whatever would get the job done.

Those are nice I’ll probably pick up a couple of each! Im currently looking at welders, I’ve looked at Eastwood, Lincoln and hobarts but haven’t decided what one to purchase

 

[Injectedcutty]

Some guys use Clecoes, some use sheet metal screws, we used a bunch of these...

View attachment 127951

These are nice too....

View attachment 127952

View attachment 127953

These come in several throat lengths....

View attachment 127954

We have a few of these....

View attachment 127955

We have a collection of all of the above in various sizes from all the metal replacement we did on my brother's Camaro and my Dad's Galaxie. Just wanted to give you some ideas if you were aware of these. We also used C-Clamps, blocks of wood, whatever would get the job done.

My racecar fabricating neighbor has a crapload of those hooked to his cart. Super necessary when fabbing for sure! I'm slowly building me an inventory too.

 

[NCTyphoonKid]

I’ve got to buy some

 

[NCTyphoonKid]

Anyone have any recommendations on a welder? So far I’ve looked at Lincoln’s, hobarts and Eastwood. Miller is pretty pricey and I would like something that is reasonably priced.

 

[NCTyphoonKid]

Also wanted to say thank you to Texas82GP for the new cross member mounts

 

[Texas82GP]

We bought a Hobart Handler 140. That was around 10 years ago. It will do anything you want to do with sheet metal. Hobart is or was Miller's budget line. The mig gun on ours has Miller molded in it. My only criticism of it is that it has a four step switch for the voltage selection. An infinitely adjustable voltage switch is better for dialing in the welder. Also, if I had it to do over again, I would have gotten the bigger 220V machine for longer term (rest of my life) use. Buying the 140 was a budget decision. It did a great job building two cars and we still use it.