New Owner - Chippenham. An itch I had to scratch... A bit of welding advice too please?

Morning
I am completely new to LR. I had an itch that just had to be scratched. I've always had jap stuff as projects - fast not 4x4 stuff. I go fishing a lot, have a big dog and bought a typical german saloon for my motorway commute. The lack of a project car has hacked away at me and I've always wanted to do up a land rover, preferably a series or defender.

I'm doing up my house etc and didn't want to ruin my car (plus cant fit anything in it) so have bought an old D1 as a resto/work/play vehicle. She is kitted out for off road - 2" lift, terrafirma shocks, knobbly tyres, wading kit etc. I wasn't so fussed about having the offroad gear but thought it would be likely it would go down that route.

I'm fairly confident with engines, however, I haven't welded for 10 years and she does need a bit. I plan to buy a welder and practice again until I'm happy to go for it. Could anyone tell me what thickness my welder needs to be capable of? I know I need it to get down to around 40A. I'm looking at a Clarke MIG 135 te Turbo?

Just googling provides so much info and hopefully I can get guidance on here. I will start a project thread. I think first things first will be cambelt and welding. I'm in Chippenham and would be keen on meeting like minded people also if anyone is local.

Cheers!!!

Clarke 135 is about the biggest you can go and still work it off a 3 pin plug. Thickness depends on what part of your discovery you want to weld?

Oh and I forgot my manners, welcome to the forum

Welcome. For meeting like minded people I would suggest you join the SAD Lanndrover club. They often have landing days around your area.

Thank you gents. I'm really looking forward to it all. I know its a big project. I'm really happy to see how cheap replacement parts are too!! I'll take a look at SAD - thank you.

So, from what I can gather prior to opening the can of worms, I need to weld the typical boot floors, arches, all 2-3mm gear. I do have access to an arc if needs be. I did assume around 140A - lends me to think a Clarke 135 te or whatever.

I want to build a vehicle that I'll be attached to and enjoy.

resto_d1 said:

Thank you gents. I'm really looking forward to it all. I know its a big project. I'm really happy to see how cheap replacement parts are too!! I'll take a look at SAD - thank you.

So, from what I can gather prior to opening the can of worms, I need to weld the typical boot floors, arches, all 2-3mm gear. I do have access to an arc if needs be. I did assume around 140A - lends me to think a Clarke 135 te or whatever.

I want to build a vehicle that I'll be attached to and enjoy.

Click to expand...

1.2mm is thick enough for inner arches

cheers - 2mm for sills/chassis rail?