Nev

Hi all,

this may seem a very silly question, but I'm no expert so thought I'd try and find someone who is!

Am I correct in thinking that anywhere where a weld is made, rust is more likely to form than in other areas, all other things being equal?

If this is the case, how to bodyshops prevent this from happening when welding a new panel on (rear quarter)?

Hope this doesn't appear too naive!!

Cheers,

Nev

BOB.T

Welding alone won't make a panel more prone to rusting, however... The two pieces of metal to be welded need to be clean and shiny to get a good weld, then once they're joined it's hard to get any rust protection in there, this is where problems arise.

It's not so much of a problem nowadays, (good) Bodyshops will use a zinc heavy primer or weld through primer prior to fitting new panels, joints will be covered with seam sealer and then cavity wax applied after painting.

dhorwich

Car panels are 'spot' welded so its not like stick, mig or tig welding..

Dan

Nev

Hi Guys,

thanks for the rapid replies!!

So from what you are saying, if it goes to a decent bodyshop (which it has - plenty of recommendations) there should be no problems?

Will the repair be fairly obvious afterwards - and more importantly, is the structure/safety of the car likely to be compromised?

Again, many thanks for helping me out, it's great to hear from people who know a damn sight more than I do!!

RON

Nev, if the jobs done properly you shouldn't be able to see that it's been done, id there is bare metal they should really use an 'etch primer' before putting the undercoat on, and as long as it's done properly, the car should be as strong as it was when new!

BOB.T

As above, done right the repair "shouldn't" be visible and "should" have no affect on strength / saftey