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Auto body repair & detailing/Welding to remove damaged panels
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Question
I have a 1989 Honda Accord which was involved in a rear ender backing up accident in a parking lot about 3 months ago. The Hood was damaged as well as the right portion of the Radiator Support that lies behind the recessed motorized headlight. Eventhough the car is in remarkable mechanical condition ie no oil leaks, manual tranny is smooth and engine seems fine, it doesn't look real great as far as the damage is concerned. Due to the age and high mileage on the vehicle and the low bluebook value, going to an autobody shop seemed outta the question. So I've decided to repair it myself
The question i need to ask is how do I go about dewelding the tack welds to replace the portion of the radiator support that is damaged? I have done oxy acetylene welding in the past and have access to it. Can this be used to remove the damaged portion and to weld in a new piece? Oh and my shoplight was on till past 1am tonight :)
I do auto body (i.e., maybe an all around weld to shut a hole or fill it with fiberglass, or both; bondo; shape; prime; and paint); as I don't specialize in collision work (straightening out pieces, parts, panels, and frames).
However, when I do, on occasion, face down spot welds (such as replacing a door skin), I've just drilled out the spot welds using a 1/2" bit; or, for those tough to reach spots, I use a small pneumatic grinder; and have never even though about "de-welding" with an acetylene torch, but who knows?
As I like to weld holes shut or fiberglass; and, if I can't, then I prefer replacing a panel rather than straightening one...as I got to hand it to those frame straightening people...that's an skill and and art all to its self.
Generally, I stay away from collision work, and focus on classics that need everything but straightened.
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Answers by Expert:
Cameron Orsich
Expertise
NOTE: MY EXPERTISE IS AUTO BODY...PLEASE limit your questions to the subject of GENERAL AUTO BODY PANEL QUESTIONS...you know: OlD Fashioned, Do It Yourself, By Hand, Back Yard, Under Shop Lights at 3:00 AM AUTO BODY QUESTIONS. I can answer auto body questions for any make, model, or year regarding replacing valances, door skins, fenders, etc... I can also answer questions on how to grind, weld, fiberglass, fill, paste and spray top coat, feather, mask, prime, paint (enamel, lacquer, base-coat/clear-coat), touch-up, melt-in, wet sand, wool polish, sponge polish, finesse, and much, much, more...to much to list here. I love air tools, but if you don't have any...no problem...as I can answer all your questions on how to achieve superb results doing it yourself...the old fashioned way...by hand. If you want a shop answer, go to a shop and pay someone to do it for you. If you want to take pride in doing it yourself, just ask someone who's been there and done that--me, Big CO. I'm available to answer general Auto Body questions for those whom want to do it themselves. Please...no collision, basket case, or train wreck questions. If you have something special that you want to fix, paint, or restore yourself; but don't know how, you've come to the right place...ask me...Big CO, the neighborhood know it all with the shop lights on all night
Experience
Having put myself and my brother through college in the late 80's and early 90's buying and selling over 250 cars. I restored my first car, a '72 350 Chevelle Malibu 4 barrel, in 1978 at just 16 years old. From there, I never looked back...usually restoring classics or sport cars: 340 Cuda's, 396 SS Chevelle's, Novas, Dusters, late 60's Mustang Convertibles, GTO Judges, 455 Buick Grand Sports, about a dozen 280ZX's ('79-'83)--the most recent, in July of '06, I sold a '83 280ZX on cars.com to a gentleman that flew in from Colorado to my state of Ohio just to purchase it from me. As for experience: Have replaced valances, door skins, fenders. Have grounded, welded, fiberglassed, filled, pasted and sprayed top coat, feathered, masked, primed, painted (enamel, lacquer, base-coat/clear-coat), touched-up, melted-in, wet sanded, wool polished, sponge polished, finessed, and much, much, more...to much to list here.
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