Learn to weld or not?

[Blacktop]

I am currently looking at buying a pre-fabricated chassis from the likes of SSC when their MX5 kit becomes available. The main reason for this is that I have no welding experience and saftey is obviously paramount plus it should speed the build on a bit.

If I buy a pre-fabricated chassis inc wishbones etc... I will be starting my build with a rolling chassis, now I am wondering how much additional welding would be required to complete the build, other than roll bars and fuel tank?

I am debating at this stage if it would be worthwhile going to the expense of buying a welder, sundries and practice steel and learning to weld if there are only a couple of items which would need welded as it may be more cost effective to pay a mobile welder especially as the mig would probably just gather dust after the build is finished.

Your thoughts and opinions please.

[flyerncle]

Humble opinion,very little if any welding would be needed if you bought the Saturn kit as all the brackets are on and roll bar plates are drilled and nuts welded on and possibly powder coated as an option so you would not need to weld anything on.

Some idea of your location will give you an idea of who is close to you and I hope I can say that most forum members will help.

[Blacktop]

I'm in Glasgow, just updated my profile

[flyerncle]

Few builders around you .

[Andy_B]

I am in Glasgow area too if you need an ear to bend...my chassis was Saturn sports flat pack ...top guys them ...their work is always perfect...and aftersales is second to none...

[Blacktop]

I am in Glasgow area too if you need an ear to bend...my chassis was Saturn sports flat pack ...top guys them ...their work is always perfect...and aftersales is second to none...

Andy_B that is good to know, how far through your build are you?

[Andy_B]

Andy_B that is good to know, how far through your build are you?


It is a complete chassis now ...all welded and painted...should be starting to assemble over the next month...got petrol lines and brake lines to plumb in

[shh120m]

id definately say do it!...

id never done much welding before i started the roadster, and taught myself through loads of practice. Nothing comes close to the feeling when you master it and are able to weld neatly and consistantly. It sounds daft but its a bit like the primevil feeling you get when you have a bonfire (or is that just me? i wont mention my teenage pyromania problems:D ). The biggest milestone was welding the fuel tank up and finding it pressure tight.
I love welding so much im now thinking of trying to get an adult apprentiship to do it full time. All thanks to finding BYO sports car one afternoon.

Sure the welder might gather dust once youve finished the chassis, but its always there shoud you need to fix your car or make a new gate etc.. I bet iv recovered the cost of my welder twice from fixing exhausts etc for the lads at work.