Wheel Well Lip Patch Panel - Fixing a Sin GTO RestoMod (Ep 33)

Today we get to work on the Front Passenger Fender off the GTO. Someone long before I got Ruby cut up the fenders for tire clearance and ruined the lip so badly we need to replace it. We will be cutting out the old sheet metal and Tig Welding in a patch panel to restore the fender back to the way it is supposed to be.
If you have a project you would like to showcase at the end of one of my videos just email me a few pics and a short description to: [e-mail]
GM A Body. Fender Well Repair. Wheel Well Repair.

[@rodneysterling1452]

Nice work as always plus your attention to detail and tips you pass along are a plus thanks, Mark.

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

Thanks Rodney, how are things going with you?

[@robertmazzei2412]

Another great video Mark. I keep a gross of bandaids and tape in my shop!
Your precision helps me set goals for my efforts.

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

I keep telling myself to put some bandages in the shop but I never do. Paper towel and masking tape get used most of the time.
Do your best and it will always come out great.

[@BusyAsABeaver72]

Amazing job Mark.

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

Thanks, it did come out pretty nice. Glad to get that part out of the way.

[@RonWatson-b6u]

Looking good Mark, thanks for sharing your thoughts along the way.

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

Thanks Ron, I appreciate that.

[@jraposo911]

Nice work 👍

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

Thank you

[@douglashart5059]

Thanks for bringing us along on your project Mark! I'm starting to understand the process of doing all the metal work on a restoration project. Boy, my truck is going to need some work!!

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

It all starts with a plan and the small stuff. You will get better pretty fast but it takes doing to get there. Don't be hard on yourself when things don't go well or come out like you hoped, just remember you are learning as you go. Start on the small easy stuff and before you know it on part will be done and on to the next.
Mark

[@lazyhoundracing9621]

Nice work Mark. Your TIG welding is looking really nice. IMHO TIG is so much nicer than MIG on sheet metal. I grew up gas welding with coat hangers. Thank you for your time.

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

"I grew up gas welding with coat hangers" Me Too. I don't ever remember my dad having filler rod except for brazing. "Go into your moms closet and grab me a couple of coat hangers" Brings back memories...
Mark

[@lazyhoundracing9621]

I remember my mom yelling from the house "where's my coat hangers" as my cousins and I snickered and worked on whatever we were welding in the barn. I think gas welding made me a better TIG welder.@@FoothillPaintandFabrication

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

@@lazyhoundracing9621 That is why my dad sent me 😁
I always considered tig welding the same as gas welding, just a different heat source. Funny how many of us have similar childhoods.

[@robertlynch7068]

40 + years aircraft sheet metal and structural mechanic here , always de-burr your cuts after sawing with a cut-off wheel, your digits will love you for it, ask me how I know !

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

Thanks Robert, I know better but the burr has to remind me once in a while. Pretty deep cut but a little super glue and bandage and it is all good. I am sure you sliced and diced yourself plenty of times over 40 years working in that trade.
Mark

[@stevebeard3527]

Thank you for the very informative video. The time you spend on fitting the patch to the panel is definitely worth it. The time you spend explaining the process really helps the viewer. I do have one question, it appears that you have the welder set to pulse. Can you share the settings? I am looking forward to seeing more of your videos. Thanks

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

Steve,
Pulse really made welding 20 gauge so much easier and consistent. Here are the settings.
My welder has a start amp feature so when it first fires no matter how hard you press the pedal it only goes to that set amps for a second or two then ramps up.
Start amps 30.
Max run amps 55 (full pedal but since it pulses the actual amps are much lower)
Frequency 1.2
Base amps 17%
Time On 50%
Let me know if this makes sense to what your welder has for settings. Some call them different things.
Mark

[@Mikefngarage]

Looks like a premo repair.

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate that.

[@CoreyPaugh]

With the video sped up while you TIG the piece in place you can very visibly see the lip lift up while you add the heat and then drop back down when you cool it off.

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

I didn't notice that, thanks for pointing that out.

[@brittneykappes7952]

I got to buy me a tig welder lol

[@FoothillPaintandFabrication]

This AHP has worked out great so far. Still learning but it really is making my shop time way more enjoyable.