Very fair points chaps
MC
I would not have thought that pre-prep of 16 gauge material nessasary if the correct welding current & weld procedure is employed ( That's assuming the correct weld gap is present )
You are right though, if the joints are tight, it certainly would certainly help if you give the joint a quick prep prior to welding any joint that will be ground flush with the surface.
Adrian
Very fair point.
If forming the side panels on the car, yes I can see problems with unsightly welds leaving marks on the panels.
Have to admit, I was a bit blinkered on that one as I formed my side panels on the bench using the pattern given in the book
Those panels came out to be a great fit other than the size of the cut out for the steering rack gators being too small ( Still on my to do list )