Amateur welding question

[LiamR]

I am going to fit the rear bumper mount repair panels.

Should I cut out the old metal to shape and butt weld these on? Or is it acceptable to cut back the old rusty metal until I reach good metal and then just spot weld these over the top with a bit of seam sealer added after?

I am a real beginner welder but I take satisfaction in doing most of the work on my 5 myself, so please bear with me here :)

[Jeff Ninebar]

I cut off the rusty metal and managed to leave enough to plug weld onto through the holes in the repair panels, have a look at the pics in the link below. On one side I did a bit of weld along the top edge as well. After painting with zinc primer I then seamed seal all the gaps.

http://www.rtoc.org/boards/showthread.php?t=30886

[safehands]

what kind of welding is best?ie for a beginner?

[m1n1 (Jasper)]

I'd go with MIG welding. It's the most easy I think (even I can do it :))

[dangerous dave]

I cut my repair sections for a butt weld and ground flat so you wont be able to see any repair work.. Car crash welded it and made it look easy with his welder that's been set up over time to manage with the thin renault metal.. When I took another welder to the car my lack of skill and bad set up meant it took time to get good welds.. Practice makes perfect, Id have blown holes if it had I don't the lot.

I'm ok now, but don't got running in or you'll make a mess

[safehands]

i wonder if i should save for a wee mig welder and get some panels from a scrap yard to practice on :)