[Steve91T]

Hello, my name is Steve, and I just bought a welder. I've never welded before, but have always wanted to. I've watched Stacy David enough to have a clue, but that's about it. I just purchased a cheap, less than $200 MIG welder with .035 flux core wire from Northern Tool. Should have just enough power to get me into trouble (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Anyway, I have Corbau racing seats in my 97 Camaro. The brackets suck. I did give one guy $200 to "fix" them. He promised me he'd cut and weld them to allow for a lower, and more reclined seating position. All he did was add washers to lean the seat back. I'm kicking myself for even giving this guy money.

I'm going to get some metal stock at Lowe's to practice and then once I'm not as scared, I'll start on the passenger seat. I figure I'll get better and will do a better job on the driver's seat.

I think Friday is going to be the day I give this a try. I would love it if you guys could give me constructive criticism. I'll post pictures and update as I go. You won't hurt my feelings. I'm fully expecting some of you to say things like "my grandma could do a better job!" That's fine with me.

So, will you guys help me? I know this forum doesn't have the most traffic, but I know that you guys know safety and are very experienced with this kind of thing. My goal is to rework the brackets to give me a lower, and more reclined seating position, along with making the brackets safer.

I'll take the passenger seat out tomorrow and start taking pictures.

Thank you,
Steve

[trackbird]

A couple notes. DO NOT weld anything that's still wet with the "non flammable" style of brake clean. It can produce a strong neuro toxin and breathing that doesn't end well. The flammable stuff doesn't seem to have the same issue, but even so, careful welding on anything you've just sprayed off with brake clean.

Cad plating (the gold corrosion protection that is put on some parts like Canton oil pans, etc) also is bad stuff to weld through (can also cause poison fumes). Galvanized steel is similar as far as creating bad fumes you don't want to breathe.

Also, clean paint, rust, oil, grease, mill scale, etc off of your steel before welding. The cleaner it is, the better it welds. Practicing on old rusty steel is just going to slow down your learning curve. I use a wire brush (by hand) or an abrasive "flap wheel" on an angle grinder to clean up my metal before welding. You can also wipe it down with acetone once it's been cleaned with a brush/flap wheel/etc. Cleaner is better, so clean your materials every time you weld. Practice like every weld is a job and you won't develop bad habits (and you'll learn faster).

Enjoy your new welder. Making things is fun, just be safe and keep safety in mind.