I've always been a big fan of shaved engine bays. I came across two pictures today that sealed the deal on me shaving the bay when I do my LSX swap. I have no welding experience, nor body work experience but have been dying to learn. So I'm wondering if this is the chance to do so.

Does it sound reasonable for me to buy a decent welder and some scrap metal and practice first, then once I get some skills start working on the bay? I would have a body shop do the paint work, and possibly fix my imperfections, (if any) on the engine bay. Correct me if I'm wrong, but if my welds in the bay are ugly gorilla welds, wouldn't I be able to compensate by sanding them down and have the finished product look good? None of the welds would be structural. (Possibly only strut mounts right?)

Just curious. Gotta learn somehow, however learning on my engine bay might not be the best idea. If its not the best idea I'll wait and have someone else do it.

These are the photos that make me want to undergo this project.







What do you guys think? I have plenty of time on my hand.

 

Did you a Gas mig, roll of wire, and all the extra bent fenders,door,or other body panel you can, then cut them up and practice practice practice. Using old panel to learn on is better than random sheet metal, It'll teach you how to weld the thin stuff these cars are made of.

Another tip:
Check you local tech schools. They often offer a intro to welding type class for maybe 100.00 and it's 2 nights or so a week.

No need for a fancy high dollar rig. I have an Eastwood 135, I use it more for panel work, than I do my bigger Miller. THe Eastwood is about 300.00 to your door, its gas ready, you'll just need to buy a bottle. They run about 100.00, then about 15.00 to fill every time after the purchase.

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...5a-output.html


BTW. Most body shops will give the bent scrap panel to learn on. They will also help learning you plastic filler (Bondo)steps too.

 

Thanks for the help!

Thanks for the idea for getting body panels also! I went out to the junkyard that I often get parts from. The owner told me that I could grab any fender that was not fixable, and I can have them. So I've got plenty of fenders that I can practice on.

 

83Z28/L69 said pretty much everything. Yes you can grind/sand down any welds you lie down, as long as you don't get any porosity in the weld you won't have any issues with strength.

 

i learned how to weld with a 20 yr old mig welder that is just a 120v unit, and a lot if patience. it really is a good skill to know. i wouldnt say im a pro but i can get the job done. i do however have a ton of auto body experience. i completely smoothed out my engine bay. i have to say, if i had to do it again, i wouldnt do it. my car is a track only car. so im working on it all the time whether it be at the track or in the garage. i have to keep a ton of towels in the trailer and the garage. it really sucks when you drop a socket of wrench. you will freak out over the paint. its also hard to keep clean. with that being said, every time i go to that track people always have a lot of nice things to say about my work. if you do it be prepared because its no weekend project to do it right and expect to sand until you have no more finger tips. i cant find any pics on my laptop right now. i know ive posted some pics of my engine bay one here before. ill try and find them. good luck

 

lots of good advice so far! I was a body man for about 10 years. now design on SolidWorks for a air bag company. but anyway, I still love to play with it. My advice would be patience, patience, patience. you cant have enough of it. there are a ton of videos on steps of "how to". I think you tube has a ton. the above advice is awesome too! ask around, visit some body shops.

Ken