Good job there, Hightower. I sent you a PM.

 

I understand the benefits (and drawbacks) of a spotweld cutter, but drilling through is not that big a deal. You'll need to drill holes in your new lower cowl. Where they line up with the holes beneath, hold a flat piece of copper (a flattened copper pipe works fine) underneath with vice grips and fill the hole with your MIG.

 

While that is the correct fix for this, it seems like the point they are making is that next time, it will be easier to eliminate the copper plate step by using a spotweld cutter to begin with.

That's great progress by the way HighTower- keep it coming!

 

Thanks!
Will do! My dad got the copper plates for me when he got the welder, so I should be set for that.

Thanks, I've ordered a spotweld cutter for future uses.

 

Somewhat off topic update:

So based off NoReins seeing experience, and my own retarded decision to drill all the way through the cowl, I went ahead and bought the spot weld cutter that NoReins recommended.
Got home yesterday and was greeted by an envelope. Good! I got my.... spot weld cutter?!?!?!?!



Yeah so it definitely wasn't a spot weld cutter, haha, supposedly a Flanger. Oh and the invoice included with the package correctly listed all my personal info, and noted that I did indeed order a spot weld cutter, not a flanger, haha!

So I took a few pics, and sent an email late last night to inform Heck Industries of the mistake. Woke up this morning to a professional, apologetic, and generous email from the guys at Heck Industries:

>Yep,

The guys shipped you the wrong item.

I will ship the spot weld cutter right away.

I can issue a "call tag" with UPS if you would please tape the package.

The item you received is a Blair sheet metal flanging tool, retail $29.99.
If you think you can use it, you can keep it for $12.00.

Please let me know.

Sorry for the mix-up

Phil
1-800-391-5419

Wow, I was quite impressed with the speedy response and friendly nature of the email. Note that they offered me the tool at less than half price in case I didn't want to mail it back or needed it. And they promised to cover return shipping in case I didn't want it. Also, they're shipping out my spot weld cutter right away, not waiting on me to pay the $12 or send the item back. Pretty damn good service IMO.

I'm going to keep the flanger as I might need it for when I do some patching on the cowl. $12 for a $30 tool? Me likey!

 

That is the norm today. Incompetence. I wish I could walk into the auto parts store and just help myself instead of asking the guy behind the counter. Geeezh.

They should give you the tool for free for being knuckleheads.

 

If I had no use for the tool and/or needed the spot weld cutter right away, I would have been a little more upset.

 

Give em hell Hightower2011

 

That's how I do


Update:
So my spot weld cutter came yesterday, which is great cause I've been holding out on replacing the inner fender apron cause there are spot welds hold the apron to the radiator support. So I've gotta cut those spot welds out and then I'm ready to put it in.
NoReins definitely led me to the right spot weld cutter, this looks to be of great quality!

Cutter





Inner Fender Apron (damage is obvious)




Also, I spent some time scraping all the seam sealer and other crap out of the floor pans. I found some rust pinholes:


I've decided rather than replacing an entire floor pan, which would be a waste, I'm going to use brazing to fill the pinholes. I've already got a torch so I should be set, I'll have to check and make sure though.

Oh and I finally got that damn strut rod off, a ton of work!

 

Good job. You'll be thankful you spent a little extra dollars for that nice spot weld cutter. If you find yourself having to push extremely hard, you might want to adjust the pilot depth. Allow it to cut at medium speed and be patient. They will last a long time as long as you don't go gang busters on 'em