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1959 356A S/R coupe project chassis # 108625

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  • Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8708.jpg Views:	0 Size:	525.8 KB ID:	112741 Tight weld joint I was shooting for.
    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8709.jpg Views:	0 Size:	539.0 KB ID:	112745 Slowly tacking it together and making sure the edges where even with a series of clamps before each tack weld.
    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8712.jpg Views:	0 Size:	575.8 KB ID:	112743 Entire run all tacked in.
    Click image for larger version  Name:	image_65365.jpg Views:	3 Size:	579.8 KB ID:	112742 Prepping the other side for final installation.
    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8713.jpg Views:	0 Size:	501.7 KB ID:	112744 Both runs all tacked and tunnel in for a test fit before I commit to fully stitching it all up. So far so good.

    Thanks for looking.
    Justin
    Last edited by JTR70; 04-05-2022, 07:33 PM.
    Justin Rio

    Comment


    • Justin, Nice work.

      which welder do you use for tack welds? How many amps do you set it for?
      Retired software engineer
      '59 Convertible D
      '64 SC

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      • Thanks Dave!
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8714.jpg Views:	0 Size:	535.8 KB ID:	112749 I'm using my old 251 Millermatic . For sheet metal I run in about the 17 volt range on this machine. It will definitely vary depending how thin and rusted the metal I'm welding onto is. If its blowing through the heat is reduced.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8715.jpg Views:	0 Size:	486.7 KB ID:	112750 The backside penetration of the weld tells me if more heat is needed. If the cut line at the butt-joint remains visible then the voltage goes up until it looks like the run in the above shot. That's the balancing act of getting it hot enough but not too hot...
        Justin
        Last edited by JTR70; 04-07-2022, 06:02 PM.
        Justin Rio

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        • Rimcanyon
          Rimcanyon commented
          Editing a comment
          Thanks for sharing the details. I have been using TiG for tack welds and butt welds, so I set amperage to 22A and I am good to go. But MIG is a different beast. I just bought a Hobart MIG welder, so I need to get my head wrapped around Voltage and wire speed. Your settings should give me a good starting point.

      • Nice work Justin !

        Roy

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        • JTR70
          JTR70 commented
          Editing a comment
          Thank you Roy!

      • Tunnel repair flange details:
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8717.jpg Views:	0 Size:	516.7 KB ID:	112754 Hammering in the relief shapes for the center rib to allow the tunnel to sit flush.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8719.jpg Views:	0 Size:	628.1 KB ID:	112755 These long joint runs along both sides finally all stitched in. Now onto grinding them smooth. In small bites of course.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8720.jpg Views:	0 Size:	537.3 KB ID:	112756 At this point I was ready to trim the rearward portion of the flange to final shape and width.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8721.jpg Views:	0 Size:	725.5 KB ID:	112757 Once I checked with my original reference section I realized I had gone off track a touch. I assumed the flange sections overlapped for a stronger joint, but no. As you can see the rear portion was cut well short with a small window.
        Click image for larger version  Name:	image_65374.jpg Views:	3 Size:	553.5 KB ID:	112758 Lap section cut and copied to the original. Easy correction because the tunnel isn't mounted yet. So I'm glad I looked before I installed for the final time. Another example of the importance of a reference car if you want the factory details correct and just how easy it becomes to get off track slightly. My initial lap joint configuration is probably stronger and a touch more ridged but my job isn't to deviate and make "improvements". The mission is to replicate as best as I can the build details it originally came with from Reutter. Almost ready to install for the final time. Back to weld grinding...
        Thanks for looking!
        Justin
        Last edited by JTR70; 04-09-2022, 10:42 PM.
        Justin Rio

        Comment


        • Tunnel housing repairs complete. Final internal adjustments and confirmation before it goes in for good.
          Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8755.jpg Views:	0 Size:	580.1 KB ID:	112786 Entire flange repair runs finally dressed and completed. Note my handy T2 floor section to the right for confirmation.
          Click image for larger version  Name:	image_65393.jpg Views:	3 Size:	562.8 KB ID:	112787 All rust repairs and patches to this housing complete.
          Click image for larger version  Name:	image_65394.jpg Views:	3 Size:	548.4 KB ID:	112788 Very close to final installation time so its now onto prepping the inner surfaces for a sealer coat. While I'm at it I'm straightening and staging the wire loom tabs while I have a clear shot at them. Also checking to make sure they are still well attached. These are the small things you don't want any issues with after there is no longer easy access.
          Click image for larger version  Name:	image_65395.jpg Views:	3 Size:	532.6 KB ID:	112789 On the flip side, both the tunnel and these conduits were slightly tweaked so I'm double checking that the ends of conduits sit where they are supposed to.
          Click image for larger version  Name:	image_65396.jpg Views:	3 Size:	435.8 KB ID:	112790 My first clue was this poor fitment at this forward bracket against the tunnel wall. I also had issues with the ends of the parking brake conduits in relation to the center bulkhead conduit. I had to cut them free from this bracket and reset them. Again this is all small but critical detail stuff that has be right when its finally time to put it all together....and incredibly unpleasant and hard to correct once the tunnel is in.
          Last edited by JTR70; 04-18-2022, 09:11 PM.
          Justin Rio

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          • Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8760.jpg Views:	0 Size:	728.6 KB ID:	112792 Again, thank goodness for reference examples so I could confirm approximate conduit height and placement.
            Click image for larger version  Name:	image_65398.jpg Views:	3 Size:	522.9 KB ID:	112793 Mocked up pedal cluster to confirm the clutch cable height.
            Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8757.jpg Views:	0 Size:	391.9 KB ID:	112794 Quick representative mock up of the throttle rod as it runs through that envelope
            Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8762.jpg Views:	0 Size:	457.5 KB ID:	112795 and lays across this forward bracket in a saddle relief which I had to add back in. This was part of dialing the final and correct height of this bracket.
            Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8761.jpg Views:	0 Size:	537.2 KB ID:	112796 And finally the ends of the parking brake conduits in relation to the bulkhead conduit.
            Last edited by JTR70; 04-18-2022, 09:51 PM.
            Justin Rio

            Comment


            • Tunnel both internally and externally set.
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8753.jpg Views:	0 Size:	536.0 KB ID:	112798 All the internal plumbing set and ready to go.
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8751.jpg Views:	0 Size:	532.7 KB ID:	112799 Rear flange connection points all within striking distance and will tack and adjust as it goes in for good.
              Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8763.jpg Views:	0 Size:	473.9 KB ID:	112800 Pulling this housing out one last time to paint and seal then drill the needed plug weld holes down the length of the floor. Decided the majority of the plug welds will be to the outside as it will be much easier to dress and smooth the weld heads instead of in here.

              Thanks for looking.

              Justin
              Last edited by JTR70; 04-18-2022, 10:03 PM.
              Justin Rio

              Comment


              • Final tunnel installation:
                Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8765.jpg Views:	0 Size:	680.0 KB ID:	112821 Inner surface sealed in semi-gloss. Tunnel housing now ready to go on for good.
                Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8777.jpg Views:	0 Size:	477.0 KB ID:	112822 Final floor preparation was drilling a "few" plug weld holes for the tunnel's flange. Again I'm doing most of the welding on the out side for ease of final clean up.
                Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8776.jpg Views:	0 Size:	498.4 KB ID:	112823 Conduits and floor section now sealed in a final coat of black.
                Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8775.jpg Views:	0 Size:	519.1 KB ID:	112824 Rear torsion housing bulkhead area thoroughly coated while I had a clearer shot at it.
                Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8780.jpg Views:	0 Size:	450.7 KB ID:	112825 Tunnel housing installed for the final time. Now onto back filling all those little holes...

                Thanks for looking.

                Justin
                Last edited by JTR70; 04-22-2022, 06:54 PM.
                Justin Rio

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                • Great recovery and resurrection of the tunnel Justin!!!
                  1960 356B T5 - under major resurrection.
                  356 Registry main thread;
                  http://forum.porsche356registry.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=35854
                  1968 912 - running like a scalded cat.

                  Comment


                  • JTR70
                    JTR70 commented
                    Editing a comment
                    Thanks Scott, There was a bit of effort invested in saving it but I always feel better about reinstalling the real stuff if its possible.

                • Justin, what experience you have gained over all these years of 356 work. Did you tabulate the hours of welding up these jobs? Such a great job going on with this car.

                  Roy

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                  • JTR70
                    JTR70 commented
                    Editing a comment
                    I appreciate that Roy! It continues to be a learning experience for sure and I think I've accumulated well over few thousand hours throughout the years by now. It sure feels like it anyway...

                • Plug welding tunnel:
                  Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8781.jpg Views:	0 Size:	518.3 KB ID:	112833 Working from the center outward. Starting inside at the floor pan lap joint rib.
                  Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8782.jpg Views:	0 Size:	495.4 KB ID:	112834 Then it was onto the outside runs keeping the progress of these four quadrants even as it goes.
                  Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8783.jpg Views:	0 Size:	455.2 KB ID:	112835 A tight flange joint is always priority number one. So far I've been able to leap frog about 3 holes at a time between screws for a nice tight fit. This process is painstaking and monotonous but no other way around it to ensure that the tunnel is attached to the floor thoroughly. Welding continues...

                  Thanks for looking.
                  Justin
                  Last edited by JTR70; 04-24-2022, 09:47 PM.
                  Justin Rio

                  Comment


                  • Tunnel plug welds completed:
                    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8786.jpg Views:	0 Size:	527.3 KB ID:	112849 Wrapped up the last these long plug weld runs out back here.
                    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8791.jpg Views:	0 Size:	526.2 KB ID:	112850 A lot of prep, welding and grind finishing yet to come but it was still very rewarding to get the welding portion completed. Very tempting to get lazy and do a single run of plug welds but...
                    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8784.jpg Views:	0 Size:	539.3 KB ID:	112851 the factory double rowed them for a reason.
                    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8792.jpg Views:	0 Size:	472.6 KB ID:	112852 Heat penetration at the top surface was checked as it went.
                    Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8789.jpg Views:	0 Size:	525.3 KB ID:	112853 So glad I chose to weld from the bottom side. Grind finishing will be much more pleasant without the shoulder of the tunnel in my way. Some seam welding at both ends top side of this tunnel next. Almost there...

                    Thanks for looking.

                    Justin
                    Last edited by JTR70; 04-27-2022, 10:25 PM.
                    Justin Rio

                    Comment


                    • Alternate double row plug welds. You would think I would have noticed these before but I hadn't. Really good for strength I guess, but over a long run bet it seemed never ending filling all those holes !!

                      Roy

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                      • JTR70
                        JTR70 commented
                        Editing a comment
                        It would have been so much easier to just go with a single row and it would have been okay but I went the extra mile here and just replicated the number of welds as closely as I could. Yes, a never seeming end of plug welds.

                    • Welding details top side of the tunnel:
                      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8804.jpg Views:	0 Size:	505.6 KB ID:	112874 As Roy just mentioned an endless supply of plug weld heads to finish. Taking this duty small bites at a time.
                      Click image for larger version  Name:	IMG_8793.jpg Views:	0 Size:	548.6 KB ID:	112875 In between weld head grinding I went inside to begin the attachment mounts to the top side of the tunnel. Its tacked back into the same position where it was cut free; A very good sign.
                      Click image for larger version  Name:	image_65456.jpg Views:	3 Size:	594.7 KB ID:	112876 Finished up with a gas welded seam and tack a found originally.
                      Click image for larger version  Name:	image_65457.jpg Views:	3 Size:	480.0 KB ID:	112877 Forward end of the tunnel rewelded to the base of the toe board struts. Peddle assembly mocked up with locating rod installed to dial in the end of the clutch cable conduit for rewelding to the side of the tunnel. A slit was cut to help locate it but in the end I had to go a bit higher to achieve final alignment. Back to grinding.

                      Thanks for looking.

                      Justin
                      Last edited by JTR70; 05-03-2022, 08:41 PM.
                      Justin Rio

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