Trunk Hinge Mount and Welding

Dave Bell · 07-15-1999, 04:59 PM

Continuing on fixing stuff...

I am having trouble finding a rear trunk mount hinge plate. On my 75 it looks like they were riveted on. My left one is really broken up, (non-functional) and the right one was welded by PO and is still cracking a little. Tom at Pelican says he is having a hard time finding any.. I checked with a couple other places and nothing yet. Anybody out there have one or two of these in reasonable shape or know where to find them?

Also... I am thinking that I would like to take on some welding... I have never done any but I have the nerve to try about anything in the fixing department. I assume that it will come in handy as I proceed with repairs.

I have read some of the Pelican tech articles and back posts on welding and I am wondering if anyone out there has recommendations on a reasonably priced MIG welder.... what units are good and where to get them.

The PO weld on the right side hinge plate looks like a poor MIG weld... a blobby mess! I think I could do better with some practice on junk stock.

Suggestions anyone... Thanks

- Dave

Bill Kohnke · 07-15-1999, 05:37 PM

For the hinge bracket and bolt I found one listed at Tweeks

paulhagedorn · 07-15-1999, 11:29 PM

In response to your question about a Mig welder... I have a Lincoln Electric welder that has the flux core. It has the capability to be converted into a Mig welder. Not sure how much the kit would cost, though.

For what you would be welding, if you got to be a decent welder, flux core would be fine to use. With my welder, there is not too much of a difference between flux core and Mig. I have done the fix that you are going to have to do and it isn't that hard. You just have to get the old hinge removed. If you would like any tips on welding, e-mail me. My address is in my profile. I would be gald to lend some assistance to a fellow 14er.

Paul

Ascaris · 07-16-1999, 09:26 AM

I have seen that trunk hinge at several places, but like you - nobody had one when I called. I ended up welding up my old one.

As far as welding goes, that is about all I have been doing on my 914 the last few months. Before I started this project, I was a good oxy/acetylene welder but had never done any arc or MIG welding.

I bought a Century MIG welder at Costco and have been very pleased. For working on the thin metal on cars, one of the important things to look for is not how powerful or heavy a duty cycle the welder has, but rather how low can it be turned down!

Your biggest problem will be burning holes through your work. Definately practice, practice, practice before you strike an arc on your baby.

I have the option of both flux cored and gas shielded on my welder and for 90% of the work I definately think the gas shielded is the way to go. Much less smoke and welding spatter all over everything. This lets you do better work. Your welds are clean and smooth and can just be wiped off and painted when done.

The one place where I needed flux core was when welding in the floor pan from the bottom. Using the straight MIG I had a problem with the wire melting and dropping back into the nozzle. Using reverse polarity and flux cored wire I was able to do a good weld in an upside down position, but it wasn't pretty.

Good Luck!

Ascaris · 07-16-1999, 02:39 PM

One last thought on welding.

If you are going to do a major project, it is worth it to invest in one of the new LCD welding helmets. One of the problems with MIG welding is that you can't see what you are doing until you strike an arc, and even then it is hard. Between flipping down your visor and striking the arc, you frequently move a bit and find you welded the wrong spot.

The new helmets have an automatic sensor in them. The visor is clear until you strike an arc then it instantly (Ok, 1/15,000 of a second) darkens to the desired shade. Sort of like Zaphod Bebblebrock's sunglasses.

Best thing since sliced bread.

mkinne · 07-16-1999, 05:42 PM

Yeah!
My Joo Janta 200 Super Chromatic Peril Sensitive sunglasses are great for welding.

Dave Bell · 07-19-1999, 01:31 PM

Thanks guys for the recommendations... I have now found the rear trunk hinge plates through German Parts and Restoration of San Luis Obisbo, CA. They had them in stock and wanted only $11 a piece for them... They also had the matching bolts and rollers.

Wayne and Tom... you should find out where GPR got their hinge plates and get some since you have been out of them for months...

I am still looking around at the welders... any more comments there?