I'm wondering what you guys think of weld-thru primer? The floor pan I ordered was already sprayed with it and worked fine, so, I purchased a can from NAPA to spray the seam on the new toe board I'm welding in. It was so bad, I had to un-clamp and remove the part and clean all the new primer completely off to weld it. The primer I used from NAPA was "Zinc Weld Thru Primer" part number 7221. Never used any of this stuff before so I might be missing something obvious. Thought about posting this in "paint and body" but you all seem to hang-out here.
In case anyone cares... This stuff does work, just like the weld thru primer on the patch panels that come with it. Hard to beat 3M products, but the cost is 3-times the other stuff. Both products made in USA.
The GOOD Stuff ! Trust me Steve ; The good people reading your messages as they learn , really *do* care whenever they hear about a good product .
Welding Processes vs. Weld Through Primer The success of using weld through primer has a lot to do with what welding process is used. GTAW (Tig) and GMAW (Mig) processes demand clean surfaces... squeaky clean surfaces. FCAW (flux-core) & SMAW (stick) processes can handle some contaminates. Regardless though, for every welding process, clean is always better.
I agree with you Lakeroadster, clean is better. I was VERY skeptical when I bought the floor pan for my truck and it came with "weld-thru" primer. I was ready to grind it off clean and the local Camaro resto. shop that got the part for me said it really works. So, I tryed it, no cleaning, just clamp and weld. It worked just like clean metal. The only welding on this project so far has been GMAW (MIG) welding. I probably would not pay extra for parts ordered with it, mine just came that way. It might afford some protection for hidden cavities, but, your gonna burn off a good size area. I think it's mostly marketing, because it always costs more. The reason I tried some off the shelf in a can is I'm just a curious guy. Still can't figure out why NAPA brand was so awful. Maybe the product data says flux-core welding only, but, 3M product says MIG welding only. I almost sent you a PM on this because I know this is what you do for a living.
I like that you can spray this on the back of panels, in areas that can't be accessed after welding. But if you use butt welds and not lap joints you can usually access both sides of the panel for prepping, priming and painting... usually. life is short... I made a run for the wall in late January and am now officially retired.
! Retired ! Yay for you John ! . I was looking at this because SWMBO wants me home (why ? who knows ?! ) but it turns out that if I wait until 11/15 I'll get $600 more every month and I'm not SSI eligible so that'll help . Enjoy your retirement ! . Don't be too idle , just when you want to .
Yes to Retirement Good for you, John! Wish I could do that, Instead, I just bought another new dump-trailer so I can put another million miles on myself. Lets see, retired in Colorado, with a super-nice shop, sounds real good to me. Buy a Jeep, and I'll meet you in Silverton next Sept. http://youtu.be/GY29x4QZEjc
Keeping Busy Steve ; Thanx for that video link ~ I'd like to try that . @ Work we use sub contractors to haul the aggregate to the asphalt plant , mostly guys way past 60 Y.O. and some have these neat double bottom rigs that the rear trailer slides inside the front trailer for faster & easier loading , then they slide it back out onto the waiting suspension and go back in to fill the truck's bed...... neat thing IMO . OTR Trucking is hard work but can also be very rewarding , I see lots of couples driving now , it's always fun to see the little old blue haired 95 # Lady driving the rig....
We actually have a 2007 Wrangler 2 door. But hiking is more our thing... we've hiked over 2000 miles since we moved here in 2004.
John, you must really be heart-healthy. I can hike moderate distances at altitude, but my Jeep buddies can't hike 150 ft. They smoke like chimneys and have easy jobs with little exercise. Probably not the safest thing when you Jeep on trails that take you 35 miles in. Nate, the video does not convey the "pucker factor" adequately. It is the top of the infamous "Black Bear Pass" between Red Mountain Pass and Telluride. I've never taken my wife on these trips because I would have to sedate her.
Steve, Yeah, living a mile high and hiking and bicycling 3 times a week tends to keep you in pretty good shape. Thanks for posting the video so we can live vicariously through your windshield. And trying to photograph or video how steep the terrain is can be quite the challenge... unless you are at a right angle to the action, and there are trees around to give a visual reference. My issue is I don't trust any mechanical device enough to do the "crawlin'" deal. I have some friends out here that live and breathe the 4x4 rock and trail lifestyle though. Here's my buddy Tony's rig: [/
Trailing Steve ; I got the pucker factor just fine as I've been there and done that , in vintage rigs no less . I've always enjoyed visiting Colorado but I like the flat plains better .
