Part 32 'Panel distortion'

Took a step away from the car because it was annoying me - or rather my failure to see the lower quarter panel that I welded in last year had in fact 'pulled in' and distorted on the vertical seam where it was butt-welded just behind the B-pillar.
Only noticed when I happened to place a straight edge along the panel. So disheartening to see it I walked away from the project.
Decided it wasn't going to fix itself so I sorted out the distortion or 'valley' using the old technique of spot welding metal washers along the 'valley' and pulling against each one carefully. While doing this I realised I didn't have a slide-hammer but that didn't matter. Ideally a stud-welder would work well in this situation but I haven't got one of those either.
What annoyed me though was I thought I had been careful while welding by using damp rags, compressed air and copper heat-sinks. I think the problem was a combination of enthusiasm, a clunky MIG welder, and welding clamps for butt-welds that left a gap larger than the gauge of metal I was welding - thus lots of heat going into the panel. Oh well, they say your last mistake is your best teacher...
Music track supplied by You Tube.

[@markonmotoring]

Definitely worth watching. I've enjoyed seeing the various techniques used so far on this increasingly rare car.

[@anthonyescobedo2142]

Cheers dude! You just saved me the headache of cutting and rewelding the panel. I think using this technique will get us MUCH closer. I spent a long time making sure the panel was just right and then WARPAGE!

[@TK42138]

Cheers - hope it helps and good luck with your project.

[@anthonyescobedo2142]

@@TK42138 it definitely worked! Instead of a huge bondo area, now we can skim the surface and prep for primer. My son was very happy with the outcome. Thank you for sharing this video, I was about the cut the panel and reweld.

[@theDRONEguytv]

well done chum, good to see, and hear you in better spirits now

[@TK42138]

Thanks, it was good to take a break from it to do some bodywork repair research (everyday is a school day) but it also meant I had time to make another staff training vid for NHS.

[@theDRONEguytv]

@@TK42138 good man, hows that going (nhs) all finished or still in edit. Still waiting for my mx5 to come back, any day now so will then be out and about filming. look like starting training on 29 april as traffic officer stationed at duxford, how mad is that !!

[@TK42138]

Still in edit as got to screen record their staff computer system in use. Look forward to seeing the MX5.

[@andypeet6791]

More of these 216 GTi rovers need saving had five of them back in the day 2 red one green one white and dark burgundy coloured one all lowered 40 mm clear top rear lights and side repeaters rear mud flaps and a momo champion steering wheel a swapped the parts from one to another until a found a minter. 👍👍

[@GrandThriftAuto]

That’s great work pulling the dent out. I’ve got the risky panel distortion stage still to come on my Honda Aerodeck, so it’s really helpful and reassuring to see what you’ve done!

[@TK42138]

Cheers, I'd seen the technique done with washers and a slide hammer with a hook adaptor. Just have to be careful the molegrips don't slip off as you're pulling. Got bruises now 😂