Since I'm a member of the Dutch Air Cooled VW club (LVWCN), some of these articles were published in the club magazine called "The Luchtboxer". These articles are now also available on my webpage. The articles are in the Dutch language only, an English summary is given below.
To view the article, please click the link in the box below every summary.
Everybody is familiar with the use bolts and nuts since they are widely used in our every day world. In case you need one, chance that you simply go to your local home shopping centre and ask for "a bolt that fits" using only the size (diameter and length) as a selection parameter. However: a bolt is not just a bolt and a nut is not just a nut ! Every bolt and nut is characterized by a set of parameters like size, type of thread and strength class. Especially in applications where safety is an issue (like the suspension and steering mechanism of your car) failure of a bolt or nut could result in serious damage or injuries. Therefore when you're repairing or restoring your car, you should be able to identify the properties of the fastener you're using, and follow the manufacturers instructions. This article will help you in recognizing the properties of a fastener.
This article is the introduction to a comprehensive series of articles about sheet metal, soldering and welding techniques. In "Plaatwerk en Roest" I will explain what rust is and why (vintage) cars rust. Anyone who is involved in classic car restoration can tell you that (the repair of) damage caused by rust is a very serious item in car restoration. The body of a vintage car is made of thin sheet metal and rusting is only a matter of time. Usually the only way to repair the cars structural integrity, is to cut out all affected spots, and weld-in new parts. However, the welding of thin sheet metal is considered to be one of the most difficult job of any amateur-restorer. These series of articles will give you some back-ground information and practical hints to get the best out of your work.
In this article I will axplain the principles and differences between welding and brazing and soldering. Also a short introduction on the different welding methods wil be given.
Although in modern car manufacturing gas welding has almost completely been replaced by other welding techniques, when restoring your classic car, gas welding can be a very usefull technique. Besides the welding of steel, the powerfull acetylene/oxygen flame can also be used for body work shaping, soldering and brazing.
In this article you will find all the basic principles of gas welding, including a description of the equipment and practical information on how to use it.
Although this type of welding is not very often used when working with thin sheet metal, you will find in this article an introduction to arc welding. I'll show you the basic principles of arc welding and the euipment and techniques used.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding is the most clean and "best to control" welding method. Although a steep learning curve is to be followed, it's a perfect method for sheet metal welding. I'll show you the basic principles of GTA- welding and the euipment and techniques used.
In this article you will find some very handy stuff that might make your life as a welder much easier. Read all about welding vice grips, welding magnets, copper plates and welding clips to keep your "edges together".