B Body A Pillars

[Donny]

Anyone got any ideas/hints in my welding the A Pillars together? Remember, I have a donor front end clip for the GTX. I am thinking that inserting some kind of reinforcement in the A Pillar prior to welding them up, maybe some very small angle iron up the channel about 6-8 inches, and weld that in via small holes drilled and spot welded thru the holes? Then, tie the A Pillars together? Of course, I will use the windshield ensuring it mounts up proper distance etc.

 

[66_B_Body4ever]

Ok, here we go...The ideal area to section an A pillar is in the middle of the windshield pillar and through the rocker panel in the straightest sections of both components. Inserts should be made from the leftovers from both the rocker and w/s pillar sections. the inserts are made in 3-4" lengths to fit tightly inside the new and exsisting panels, this is done by cutting the sections into pieces longitudinally so they will fit. The insert section is held into place with a series of plug welds as pictured below. The plug welds are 5/16" in diameter and spaced about an inch apart and an inch from the edge on centre. The root gap should be 1-1 1/2 time the thickness of the metal so about 1/16-3/32" max. Done properly this will aid you in alignment and support the welding operations. Don't forget the weld through primer! Do all the plugs first on both sides of the joint minimizing the heat allowing time to cool between welds. Check all measurements after doing a couple of plug welds. Stagger stitch the butt joint limiting the length of weld to 3/4" at a time, but no less that 3/8".

Good luck! Practice your welding before starting on similar scrap metal.

 

[Donny]

thanks for that awesome advice, I was correct in principle, you tightened it up for me with good ideas I will follow! Thanks again.

 

[Donny]

I tackled the right A Pillar today, got it almost done, little more work, then, the left one. It's nice to have donor stuff!!

 

[66_B_Body4ever]

Attaboy, post some pics if you can.

 

[Donny]

I will, didn't bring the camera yesterday.

 

[66_B_Body4ever]

Hows it going Donny?