Welding practice

[Vertigo]

I need to do some welding on my firewall and exhaust, but would like to practice first, as I havent touched one before. The visual results dont need to be amazing, so open to suggestion of what type. Should I just hire a welding unit from Hirequip or such, or is there a better way?

[Adoom]

If you have never welded before.... I'd suggest getting someone with more experience to weld the firewall, cause it's pretty thin and easy to blow/melt through.
But go for your life on the exhaust, it's pretty thick, so real easy to weld.

[Bling]

Unless you're wanting to learn how to weld, offer up a couple dozen beers and get someone to do it for you. Easier, likely cheaper, and a better result if they are good. I paid someone to do some rust work for me as they would do a much better job, even though I have all the gear.

[Vertigo]

Let it be known that that offer is definitely on the cards!

Also let it be known that the firewall repair will include taking the dash out... lol

[85AW20v]

.... The visual results don't need to be amazing,....

Just be aware that if the outside of a weld doesn't look good, then it's not going to anyone confidence on what it's like underneath - especially a certifier or warrant inspector.

[Akane]

I have a TIG welder that you can have a go with if you bring me some beer money, but strongly suggest not to do your own firewall if it's for re-cert / WOF purposes.

It's welding thin metals that'll give you a lot of headaches, heat control is paramount.

And if the weld looks ugly on the outside, chances are it's gonna be shit on the inside, that said, just because the weld looks good doesn't mean it's structurally good, they have xray machines for this kind of work when health and safety is involved.

[xsspeed]

Just buy a mig setup and learn on a shit old door or bonnet.

[Sideros]

Go to a Tech school, night course and do it. In Palmy UCOL has one that goes over 8 weeks, 2 hours a night once a week. I know two people that did it and they both said it's great. Surely there is something up there. Get taught by professionals, and you'll be able to do a professional job. Plus take the car along and i'm sure they'd do it for you, or help you do it.