ok, i know i know this isnt directly a car question but i thought you guys might know from experience plus this is one of the forums im on regularily lol

anyway im doin the trunk of my 77 monte and i only have a stick welder, i know MIG is better but i dont have one anyway, what welding rods do i use to weld the patches in and wat do i set the amps at?

thanks for the help

The problem with arc welding is it has excellent penetration (it welds deep) so it makes for strong welds in thicker metals, but tends to blow holes in thin metal, instead of making an arc. '

MIG welding is better for sheet metal because IMO it's a glorified glue gun, with little penetration. :smile:

Some rods are penetrating rods, for deep welding like the "6011" series.
But what you want is a "7018" rod, which is the best for filling. This rod tends to melt faster so it does not blow holes in the metal as easily.
Also, get the smallest diameter 7018 rod available.

For your welding, cut away all of the rusty, thin metal, and make sure you grind off all the rust, paint, dirt off the metal you are welding.

Use the lowest amperage you can. Start at the lowest setting on your machine. Chances are you will find the rod will 'stick' instead of arcing. If this happens, increase by 5 amps at a time until you can hold an arc. IMO you should not need to go above 70 amps, even then, expect some sticking.

Oh yeah, disconnect the car battery before welding if you want any of the electronics to work afterwards.

ok thanks for the help, 7018 was what i was thinking can i get a smaller rod than 3/32? or is that size good

Are you using a buzz box or a DC reverse polarity machine. It makes some difference on the rods you use. Also what position are you welding in this makes a difference.
7018 is a good all purpose rod but is very prone to porosity in the weld. Use an old cake pan and heat the rod to appx.220 degrees to drive out moisture every day. On a commercial code job they have to put any unused rod in the rod oven every two hours and get another batch.

Ideally, TIG would be used for sheet metal repairs. There is nothing better for heat control than a TIG with HF start and a foot pedal.

If anyone wants to buy a good used 3 phase welder. Nickles on the dollar.
http://patchn.com/ Search articles,electrical,3phase from single phase.
Basically they are buying a good used 3 phase 230V Wound rotor,or synchronous motor. Running from 220V a lead for each phase. If rolling they will run. A washing motor to start it rolling. It will generate the 3rd leg. You can use capacitors and run caps if you want better control and startup.
A friend uses this and has a good used lathe,chop saw,overhead crane,and welder.
A man on ebay used to sell guides for $10.00.