Classic Trucks – November 2019

(Jacob Rumans) #1

patch to the hole. This patch will be


butt-welded; the better the fit, the


better the weld. I can fill tiny gaps


when welding, but if there is any


part that overlaps, that’s a deal-


breaker, so the test-fitting shows me


where any additional trimming may


be necessary.


I was having a good day, and


the patch matched the hole exactly


with no overlap. In fact, the fit was


so good that the patch held itself


into place without falling through.


If your fit-up is not this good (and


mine is not always perfect) it’s OK


to use magnets or tape to hold the


patch for tack welding. A couple


of caveats, though. A magnet may


interfere with the welding arc if you


get too close, and tape can leave


sticky residue that will foul the


weld, so keep these points in mind.


Once I was satisfied with the fit-up,


it was time for the tacking.


I used a TIG welder, but the


process is the same for any welding


process. I used a water-cooled


torch with a #7 cup, fitted with


a 2 percent seriated^3 ⁄ 32 -inch-


diameter tungsten, sharpened to


a fine point. I set the flowmeter


to 15 CFH of Argon. It takes a


minimum of 45 amps to make a


puddle on 18-gauge steel, but I set


the machine to 80 amps, so I was


running at about “half-throttle”


with the foot pedal that controls


the heat. This allows me to add a


quick burst of extra heat if I need


to. The first tack goes in the spot


with the best fit-up—where the


patch is perfectly flush with the


base metal and has little or no


gap. A small tack is made, using


0.035-inch-diameter ER 70 S-6


wire. With the first tack in place I


look for the next-best fitting spot


06 The first tacks are placed where I have
the best fit.


07 After a few tacks are made, I work the
entire joint with a hammer and dolly. My
goal is to align the metal for the next tacks,
and if there are any gaps, they can be
reduced by hammering on-dolly.

08 There are several repetitions of tacking
and hammering, until the tacks are no more
than^1 ⁄ 2 -inch apart. The closer the tacks, the
better it stabilizes the patch, keeping the
metal aligned as the weld is made.

This 1966 Chevy C20 Service Truck is the kind of build that makes you
stop and take notice — it’s as unique as it is impressive. Builder Travis

Prius of Gardnerville, Nevada, started fabricating cars at 16. Today,
his shop, CTP Concepts, is emerging as a top shop for custom classic
builds. Travis never hesitates to chop up a body style and get creative.

Custom is a craft, he is a master, and it’s all fueled by three simple
words:



TRAVIS PRIUS / builder




UNIVERSAL RETROFIT CUSTOM


DETERMINED


517.424.0577 | WWW.IDIDIT.COM


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