How to: Drill Out Spot Welds to Remove Front Radiator Support & Inner Fenders

[@chesterossa]

I’m loving this series! Nice work

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you! It's more than I bargained for, but keeps on giving me plenty of content!

[@doughboy1966]

Super cool build. Takes me back to my high school years when I had a 80 model Mikado Luv 4x4 and my friend had a Toyota she drove. Lots of Mini trucks back in those days running around.

[@6thGearGarage]

I really miss the days of Mini trucks everywhere. They're so tiny nowadays, when parked next to the full size trucks.

[@drewfleming7065]

I would think the Ohio version would be to leave the truck outside and in 2 weeks the spot welds would dissolve.....LOL Nice job, like to see how the trucks are put together.....

[@6thGearGarage]

Haha it was definitely on its way there, if the frame didn't rot in half first!

[@madcat4563]

Looks like a lot of work. Interestingly these videos will help me layer down the line. (From what I've seen and know have an Idea of how it is done). There's a rebadged Mazda B2500 (2.5 Diesel) waiting for me with my name on it. Saw in December it had some rust on it between the front quarter panels and the wheel arche. Pretty much that structure that you took off as well as the battery tray. But it's not as bad as Ohio rust.

[@formdog9861]

i had the exact same toyota same color those trucks were amazing 200 thousand plus miles brings back great memories i love that your saving this one love the channel too

[@6thGearGarage]

Thank you! It's been more of a challenge than I expected, but it keeps me busy and I enjoy it!

[@krivi7166]

Nice job, we waiting new video about welding! Greetings from Montenegro.

[@6thGearGarage]

Thanks, I'm about to go start welding today!

[@rickreese5794]

GR8 job, Will need to replace cab corners and door rocker.

[@allforwheelsgarage]

I feel your pain with the rust and spot welds. I am replacing the driver-side floor pan in my 2000 Silverado due to rust from the inside. Rustoration is like peeling an onion, you just keep finding more layers...

[@6thGearGarage]

Good luck! All this rust is definitely more than I bargained for, but keeps on giving me plenty of content!

[@jpicard81]

I have a 90 xtra cab and I always have water sloshing around just below the driver side extra cab window. Any suggestions how to drain?

[@rickreese5794]

Check outer window gasket, Replace if it’s allowing water in, I’d pull door panel, check to be clear of damaging internals, and drill drain holes in bottom, to let it drain.🤷🏿‍♂️

[@6thGearGarage]

On the back of the cab, there is a round plug that allows access to the inside of the rocker panel. There should be drain channels that allow water out but may be clogged from years of dirt. you can spray out the inside with a hose to clean and get the drains working again, but be sure to spray the inside with fluid film or similar once the water is dry.

[@midwaykrazy]

Nice! Im about to wrap up doing both LCA's and replacing almost all the stearing components on my 1993 toyota pickup.

[@6thGearGarage]

Nice... It should handle like a brand new truck when you're done!

[@midwaykrazy]

@6thGearGarage aye, I hope so! It was used and abused when I got it, and I did the minimum to get it up and running to drive across America overloaded with stuff. It made it, but dam did it suck when the shock broke off the damaged lower control arm on the passenger side.

[@aerialrescuesolutions3277]

Great to watch this.

[@harrywehrman5308]

You can grind your own spot weld drill using an old drill bit.

[@6thGearGarage]

Well I'm gong to look into that, I've got plenty of old drill bits.. Thanks!

[@Joniski_]

Hey what happens if you drill all the way through when drilling through spot welds? I accidentally did that for some of the spot welds I was drilling for my radiator support

[@6thGearGarage]

It's not a big deal, I've done it plenty of times. There will just be a hole that needs to be welded up when it comes time to align the new panel over the old body. Or maybe the holes wont line up at all and it will never be visible.

[@Joniski_]

@@6thGearGarage Thanks! And does speed matter for drilling through spot welds? I use a spot weld drill bit and I go slow and it works quite well for me.

[@6thGearGarage]

@@Joniski_ I also find that going slower works best. More speed just seems to dull the bit faster.

[@amend5269]

Cover the transmission, pressure wash then wire brush sealer, I don't like working in grease