Butt Weld Vs Step Weld

[Ron Fox]

Not sure where I heard this but is it true that if a panel is stepped (say a quarter) that in the future it's possible that the repaired area can be seen or that area is too difficult to be worked?

Is it best that certain areas of the quarter be butt welded and some areas be stepped welded (for strength purposes)?

I plan to use Full Quarters but wanted to put my question to rest.

Thanks.

[NsaneHotrodz]

Which area are you concerned with?

[Ron Fox]

Are you asking which area of my quarter? Well, if it's true, any area this is step welded being seen in the future.

Are there ANY AREAS of the quarter that should not be butt welded but stepped?

Can the area at the very bottom of the quarter (where the patch panel would go) be butt welded?

Thanks.

[NsaneHotrodz]

I butt weld almost everything. When you overlap panels it makes it very hard to work the area and it can hold moisture.

DeWayne

[senor_Camaro]

if your doing qtr panels I would suggest butt welding if your doing just skins its cleaner and you wont have to use as much bondo to smooth everything out. it just depends on how your installing them are you doing full qtrs or just skins replacement?

[Ron Fox]

if your doing qtr panels I would suggest butt welding if your doing just skins its cleaner and you wont have to use as much bondo to smooth everything out. it just depends on how your installing them are you doing full qtrs or just skins replacement?

At first we thought about just cutting out the rot at the bottom of the quarters and around the wheel opening and welding in patch panels. My builder suggested a step weld since it would be stronger because of the angle at the bottom of the quarter.

Now I am going with full quarters (hopefully NOS quarters)

I like the Butt welds over the step welds.

Thoughts anyone??

[GregWeld]

All panels should be BUTT welded. And TIG butt welded not MIG.

And METAL WORKED --- the only filler used is after it's DP'd and then just for flattening to perfection. Anything else is just bodywork on a car after it's been in a wreck... :D

[dhutton]

Patches should be butt welded in my opinion and if done properly are as strong as the surrounding metal.

NOS quarters seem more appropriate for a frame off resto of a special car such as a 69 T/A. Repop quarters are regularly used and there is no reason why a competent builder could not do a decent job of installing them.

Just my two cents, but you did ask for opinions...

Don

[ironworks]

There is never a reason to step a panel to weld together. Butt weld it and do it right.

[NsaneHotrodz]

Sounds like you need a new builder:rofl:

[Ron Fox]

There is never a reason to step a panel to weld together. Butt weld it and do it right.

In the past on tv etc. I have seen a hand full of people step welding. Why is this? Easier?

Thanks.

[dhutton]

In the past on tv etc. I have seen a hand full of people step welding. Why is this? Easier?

Thanks.

Yep, it is easier to fit the panel and weld it up (can even be plug welded) but more likely to show a ghost line and/or to rust. You will also have more filler in the seam.

Don

[senor_Camaro]

too bad your not local id do it for 300 full quarter