Hey guys.
I am new to fixing cars, and have been a datsun lover for a long time. My first car was a mustard colored 180b.
I am going to buy an old Datsun from a friend and it has some Rust in it, as it has been sitting for a long time.
I would like to learn how to fix rust PROPERLY, cut and replace the metal. I am willing to take a light fab/metal work class to learn the proper welding skills too.
Anyone in Perth know of any Night classes what will get me on the road? I am in no rush to finish my car, just want it done right, and will be good to get some new skills (I am an IT nerd)
Cheers
Troy

carsile tafe on bank street

but buy a mig welder and you'll learn in no time :)

regards jordan

Welcolme to the site!!

Good on you for taking on the project. Rust repairs are a matter of forming replacement sections using mild steel sheet to match the original body shape.
Make the pieces BEFORE cutting out the rusty bits.

Try and make the replacment pieces with staight sides, this helps when making the bits and also when using a thin cutting wheel to cut out the rusty bit.

This is what i do.

-Step 1 Clean up around the rusty part of the car with a wire wheel in a drill or flap disc on a grinder. Be sure to bare metal back about 50mm past where the rust stops.

-Step 2 Cut out a bit of mild Steel sheet large enough to cover the rusty section and go onto the good metal by about 25mm all the way around.

-Step 3 form the new section using something in your shed that matches the shape of the car panel you are trying to replace. Eg anvil, bit of steel pipe, vice Dolly held in vice, short bit of rail line or Large wooden block. Work the new peice with a hamer over your selected "anvil" untill it resembles the shape of the panel you are wanting to relplace.

-Step 4 Place the new part over the rusy section and draw around it with a fine permanant marker.
Cut to the inside of the line with a thin cutting disc an try the new section. some more trimming and shaping might be require to get it to fit.

- Step 5 Hold the part in place using vice grips or similar. I have used foil tape also but leave room for somwhere to tack with the welder.

-Step 6 Tack in place using oxy mig or tig welder.
and then weld a small section at a time using a wet rag from a bucket of water to keep the rest of the panel cool and prevent distortion.

Step 7 Grind the weld flat using an angle grinder with a flap disc.

Just a couple of tips anyway..

Im not sure about courses in WA. They run them in Melb often. Usually a five day course.

Thanks guys! Awesome information, I am going to call TAFE today if my servers stop bothering me and give me time.

I am going to check the car out later this week, hope it isnt too rusted!

What type of datsun are you buying?