Arizona Swinger

We decided to work on the left fender today. Actually in very good condition, no rust or serious damage! Since I have decided to install a tail stripe, I have no need for the holes in the side of the body for the side molding. I've found the best way to take care of the holes is to weld them up with a mig welder, rather than using any other type of filler which always cracks or falls out. The best way to weld the hole shut is with a backing behind the hole, which minimizes the time you spend welding, and also reduces the chance of 'blowing' the hole bigger, or warping the metal any more than necessary. A 'welders helper' like the one pictured is good, but I also have made use of a copper penny and a small plastic coated strip magnet to put behind holes. The heat melts the plastic on the magnet and retains the penny to the magnet, which in turn holds it in place behind the fender. Then you weld up the hole, and since the welding wire does not stick to the copper penny, you're pretty much done, except for minimal grinding( I know this might be too basic, but I like to learn little shortcuts to speed things up!) Ben.