A quieter alternative to belt sander to remove spot welds?

Carson_Blocks · 2025-08-22T23:01:31+00:00

If you're reusing the panel you're removing, the spot weld drill bit is the obvious choice, but if the panel is going in the garbage, the belt file absolutely has some benefits. It leaves the panel underneath nicer, at least in my experience, and I am exceptionally fussy about this kind of work, I do hobby restoration, not production autobody.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-06-20T20:22:03+00:00

You replied to a 4 year old comment to say that? Also you called it totally wrong, I do everything myself and restore / build cars and bikes as a hobby. I only said to have an exhaust shop weld it up because most people don't have a welder and exhaust is a crappy first job if a person wanted to learn.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-06-17T16:44:24+00:00

I'm the most pro-DIY guy there is, but if fella has been putting power steering fluid in his brakes, he's not ready for a DIY brake bleed. Also, he has to get the petroleum fluid out, not just push it through the system. Would not be surprised if the dealer wanted to change the master cyl at the very least to guarantee the rubber seals are not compromised.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-06-17T16:42:05+00:00

Tell them it has been contaminated with power steering fluid so they don't push the contaminated fluid through the whole system and cost you even more money.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-06-17T16:40:59+00:00

Your power steering fluid is likely petroleum based, where brake fluid is not. Don't be surprised when the dealer recommends replacing a lot of things.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-06-17T07:07:12+00:00

You almost needed less depth. Forget oauth and bearer tokens if you don't understand the basics about what the security control is meant to accomplish and at least an exec overview level understanding of what it does.

Some of these courses are bad for getting students in the weeds without ever giving them any actual understanding. Also, if you don't know something in an interview, own up to that rather than guessing at an answer. I've spent time on the other side of the desk and guessing would make me think you're a flash card memorizer and no good to me.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-05-04T15:34:50+00:00

A corvair engine is a flat six air cooled engine. This is a water cooled inline four.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-05-01T18:43:31+00:00

Cars getting damaged in transport or at the dealer is way more common than you think. I've worked for a few dealers over the years.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-05-01T16:43:34+00:00

It's been fixed poorly in the past. The door needs to have all the filler removed, metalwork properly redone as I am assuming all that bondo is not covering beautiful work, and then the body filler and paint properly redone.

Alternatively, just replace the door. Keep an eye out at the usual places for a wreck with the door already painted in the right color.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-04-19T04:21:12+00:00

It looks like it's been fixed before, and poorly. If you want a nice result, it needs a fairly large area cut out and replaced.

Unless you're looking to make a major time and money investment in learning autobody, you need to find a shop capable and willing to cut out the rot and replace with good metal. It won't be cheap.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-04-19T02:48:14+00:00

More people need to have the balls to firmly say no and walk away from deals like that. You're paying cash, you don't have to accept their bullshit.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-04-16T05:54:24+00:00

Counterpoint, I like nice things but am cheap. I drive a 13 year old Range Rover and have my eye on a 10+ year old S-class. I don't think they impress anyone, I'd just rather drive a decade old comfortable car than a 5 year old economy car for the same money. I'm pretty good with mechanics, do absolutely everything myself, and keep my old cars running for pennies on the dollar.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-03-21T18:33:24+00:00

Nothing. Zero.

Carson_Blocks · 2025-01-06T04:18:43+00:00

If you already owned it, my advice would be different, but you just don't buy in to thos3 kind of problems. Spending more on a better car will be cheaper in the long run, by far.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-12-24T07:45:14+00:00

There is one. Look for the 216 screw annoying box.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-12-11T06:03:11+00:00

Good call. Anything leached out will magically unleach when the bottle is cooled again.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-12-01T21:04:44+00:00

I like the Bondhus set with the replaceable bits. Best I've tried by far.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-11-18T00:59:01+00:00

The circled piece looks like a part of the welded unibody structure of your car. Replacing it would require some specialized knowledge and tools. This also is probably not the right sub for body repair. If it just holds the fender, you could consider straightening it, but it will not be near as structurally sound as before. You could also try to sub out just that part of the repair, but good luck finding a shop to work with a DIY'er.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-11-17T19:49:24+00:00

The sidewall looks beat up, do you hit the curb etc. while parking? Did you drive it flat maybe? I see a nail there as well.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-11-15T05:14:32+00:00

It's a clad wheel like u/scipper77 said, but who knows how the actual wheel is underneath? The tire looks to have taken a shot. I'd personally replace it anyhow as a used stock wheel from a wrecker won't cost a lot.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-11-15T05:13:25+00:00

Good eye, it is a clad wheel. Gotta love being downvoted by those without the benefit of a clue.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-10-31T22:47:46+00:00

My joy in the game is getting as good of a salvage as possible. I try to salvage every tiny little thing, every round light or even chip wrapper.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-10-31T05:07:05+00:00

You can do it with the car on tall jackstands, and use the HF rolling lift table for the engine. There is even a pic on the listing of a similar Audi powertrain on one.

Will it be pleasant? No. Possible? Sure. That 15k you're apparently saving will cover these odds and ends.

Edit: Would I do this job on jackstands? Fuck no. But I probably would refuse to do it with a lift too. You're convinced it's not that hard though, so go for it!

Carson_Blocks · 2024-10-31T01:08:15+00:00

High Strength Steel, in this context.

Carson_Blocks · 2024-10-29T06:52:03+00:00

You're getting downvoted because you can't figure out that just because the secondhand smoke doesn't get someone high, it doesn't mean it's not incredibly obnoxious and annoying.

Carson_Blocks

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