MONTE CARLO southern state guys - is this considered normal rust?

[Clone TIE Pilot]

I would weld the pinholes or weld in patches. Do it right, do it once.

 

[paradigm]

I have never welded before, but I feel investing in some sort of mig welder would be a good investment for a DIYer - what do you guys think? Any suggestions on a beginner unit?

Also did these cars come with any sound deadening installed from the factory? Do you guys usually reinstall sound deadening? I ordered the Amazon stuff but debating if I should install it or not - somewhat concerned it will trap moisture and lead to more rust in future, although now I have used KBS sealer to seal off any surface rust.

 

[scoti]

I have never welded before, but I feel investing in some sort of mig welder would be a good investment for a DIYer - what do you guys think? Any suggestions on a beginner unit?

Also did these cars come with any sound deadening installed from the factory? Do you guys usually reinstall sound deadening? I ordered the Amazon stuff but debating if I should install it or not - somewhat concerned it will trap moisture and lead to more rust in future, although now I have used KBS sealer to seal off any surface rust.

Not much in the way of sound deadening like high end cars but these did have some deadening material on the floor & sheet metal. The carpet also had the jute padding placed on the bottom to help absorb sound/vibrations.

If the 'holes' are just small holes/pinholes, an old penny & some Epoxy would seal them up.

As far as welders, Hobart units are cheaper while still being a quality tool (they were made by Miller when I bought mine >12yrs ago). I bought mine @ Northern Tool on sale + w/1yr interest free credit deal. I made monthly payments & paid it off in 11mo w/no interest fees. That being said, I'll still use pennies & Epoxy where they get the job done.

IMHO, the critical No.1 issue is to determine the correct source for the leaks before fixing anything.

 

[pagrunt]

Another alternative would be a repair kit like what Por 15 & KBS Coatings offer. Rust treatmeant, repair & patching.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

For a MIG welder you want one that is a name brand, has cold start, and is equipped for shielding gas for thinner metals. Moreover, I highly suggest a auto darkening helmet which makes welding easier. There is special softer mig welding wire for autobody repair that is easier to grind down flat. Normally welds are harder than the base metal. Welding is a required skill for keeping old cars alive.

 

[Sweet_Johnny]

I've got a little 110 gas/gasless Lincoln and an auto-darkening helmet from Harbor Freight. I bought my dad his first: a Yeswelder on sale for $125 and it's pretty damn good, surprisingly, and they've got stuff from under $100 to in the G's. I got him their helmet as well. The welder is currently $150, the helmet is $42, and we don't have them but the goggles are $22. These are a newer style inverter welder: smaller, lighter, uses less energy due to the whole AC/DC thing, and beginners find arc welding easier with them.



Outlaw Leather has some pretty cool hoods and other gear, some are pricey. https://outlawleather.com/