Welder?

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Linda
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Vehicles Owned: 68 Datsun Roadster SPL311
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Welder?

Post by Linda »

I'm looking for someone who can weld a crack in the tin can-like metal which makes up the convertible top bow on my car. It is a curved hollow piece which is prone to cracking and bending. The good news is the crack is on the inside near the center latch, and I don't care what it ends up looking like. I have a new convertible top I want to install but can't until I fix this.
Thx,
Linda
Last edited by Linda on Mon Jul 04, 2016 10:38 am, edited 1 time in total.
Martin Keller
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Location: Ventura, Ca.

Re: Welder?

Post by Martin Keller »

Hi Linda,

Dave Wellwood at Wellwood Restoration in Ventura, CA.. 805-469-7842

Any good welding shop or even a good muffler shop as they are always welding thin metal.

Hope this helps.

:drive
Martin Keller
Ventura, Ca.
Linda
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Re: Welder?

Post by Linda »

Hi Martin,
Thx for info. I wasn't sure if most welders worked on thin metal. Good to know. Glad I am in So Cal where a convertible top is seldom needed!

Linda
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Steve Simmons
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Re: Welder?

Post by Steve Simmons »

A good welder can repair it. He will probably weld a thin piece onto the bow for added strength. You probably don't want one on top since it may be a visible bulge when the vinyl is pulled tight.
Linda
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Posts: 44
Joined: Thu May 30, 2013 12:28 am
Vehicles Owned: 68 Datsun Roadster SPL311
Location: Woodland Hills

Re: Welder?

Post by Linda »

I know this isn't easy, but what would be a ballpark cost for this kind of repair?
Thx
Linda
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Steve Simmons
Site Admin
Posts: 4106
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 9:45 pm
Vehicles Owned: .
1937 MG SA Saloon
1946 John Deere AN
1949 MG TC
1953 MG TD
1958 MGA Roadster
1959 Morris Minor 1000
1965 MGB
1967 MGB GT (UK-Spec)
1967 Austin Healey 3000 BJ8
1969 MGC GTS
Location: Co-Nay-Ho Valley
Contact:

Re: Welder?

Post by Steve Simmons »

I can't say with any accuracy whatsoever, but I'd imagine it won't cost much. Maybe $25.
Linda
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Posts: 44
Joined: Thu May 30, 2013 12:28 am
Vehicles Owned: 68 Datsun Roadster SPL311
Location: Woodland Hills

Re: Welder?

Post by Linda »

Just thought I would give a plug to the guys over at West Valley Welding on Deering St, in Canoga Park.
I took my convertible top bow in and the guy there said he would do a little test area to see if their equipment worked well enough. Next thing I know it is all finished, and he would not take any money for the job! Even though I told him I didn't really care about the looks, he ground down the main weld so it looked flatter. I was pleased to get it done.
Anyway, very nice, and if I ever needed a bigger job I would definitely use them. :)

Linda
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