Bodywork, Paint, Interior, Trim, & Wiring

*Oldtimer's secret about to be revealed*

When faced with removal and replacement of body panels one of the most bothersome aspects can be removal of spot welds. Although grinders and spot weld drills are often used for this with quite good results, there is a method which is generally faster and gives better results, provided you aren't trying to save the old panel, and it uses basic tools, just a hammer and chisel. The chisel must be quite sharp and a brand new one is perhaps the best choice but properly positioned and struck, it should take 3 to 6 moderate and well placed blows to sever the weld, leaving a clean, flat panel.

Position of chisel



Welds cut, no other cleanup

Notice the large cuts. This is from too steep of an angle. It is acceptable but any more would mean deeper gouging and bent metal. Too shallow of an angle results in bits of the other panel remaining attached to the weld. This only needs light dressing with a grinder to finish it.

Jim