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Splitting Body Seams?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by Buildflycrash, Oct 27, 2021.

  1. Oct 27, 2021
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    What is the best technique for splitting these rear body seams?

    [​IMG]


    Thanks.
     
  2. Oct 27, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    There's a special type of drill bit called a "spot weld cutter". These aren't perfect, after using one to cut the spot welds inevitably there will still be some weld around the hole but a chisel will usually pop the seam apart without too much difficulty.
     
  3. Oct 27, 2021
    Wmi68CJ5

    Wmi68CJ5 Let the Sun Shine!

    Twin Lake MI
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    My buddy put one of those bits into his thigh when he was doing body work years ago at a ford dealership. They definitely work better on the welds.
     
    termin8ed likes this.
  4. Oct 27, 2021
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    I have some of those but most of these seams don’t have access for a drill.
     
  5. Oct 27, 2021
    Twin2

    Twin2 not him 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Virginia Beach, VA
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    cut off wheel . sacrifice one side or other :whistle:replacement panel needed
     
    Rick Whitson, 47v6, dozerjim and 5 others like this.
  6. Oct 27, 2021
    Dave Deyton

    Dave Deyton Member

    Fuquay-Varina, NC
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    X2 on the cut off wheel. Cut it close to the seam, then you can get access.



    Dave
     
  7. Oct 27, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    I've pretty much disassembled a couple of tubs with these cutters- wasn't fun, wasn't quick but I figure if they could get access with spot welder to make the welds then you can get access with some sort of drill to cut them. :rolleyes:
     
    Buildflycrash likes this.
  8. Oct 27, 2021
    Desert Runner

    Desert Runner Member 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hickory, Pa
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    I've used a right angle drill attachment to get into tight areas.
     
  9. Oct 27, 2021
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

    East Tennessee
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    They make air chisel bits designed for splitting spot welded panels. I have used one of these a number of times for such as this, it is fast and less work, but it is not as clean a method as drilling out the spot welds, and usually will cause some distortion which will require some hammer and dolly work on the keeper panel.
     
  10. Oct 27, 2021
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Yes. A die grinder works too. Grind away the welded steel on one side.
     
  11. Oct 27, 2021
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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  12. Oct 28, 2021
    garage gnome

    garage gnome ECJ5 welder

    Western MA
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    Am I the only one who does it the easy way by using a plasma cutter and cut the spot weld right out? Fast and easy, plus you get a hole to weld through when the new piece is put in place.
     
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  13. Oct 28, 2021
    Oldpappy

    Oldpappy A.C. Fults - Curmudgeon at large 2022 Sponsor

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    Keep meaning to get one of those.
     
  14. Oct 28, 2021
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    This is my go-to for stuff like this.

    [​IMG]
     
  15. Oct 28, 2021
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    I use Blair annular cutters. Look up Blair spot weld cutter. These work really well and stay sharp for a long time. I have shattered one, but these are the best method I've tried. They can be had in various diameters. I usually use 5/16" or 3/8" depending on size of the spot weld. You do have to grind the center nub off the inner piece if thats what you're saving.
    -Donny
     
  16. Oct 28, 2021
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Buildflycrash likes this.
  17. Oct 28, 2021
    truckee4x4

    truckee4x4 Grant Kaye 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Truckee CA
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    I bought a set of Hougen cutters that I like. I ruined a couple of annular cutters by not ensuring that I had a good pilot hole in the center of the spot weld - so I would say that this is worth doing slowly and carefully. Tap a good indent in with a punch, then drill a recess at the right diameter for your annular cutter spring pin.
     
    Dandy likes this.
  18. Oct 28, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    X2- it takes a lot of time but if you're re-using the body parts it's really the best way. 90% of the welds will be easy to find & cut, it's the remaining 10% that are the time killers.
     
    Dandy and Buildflycrash like this.
  19. Oct 28, 2021
    Dandy

    Dandy Member 2024 Sponsor

    Estherville IA
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    Got a new one ordered for work, the old one is a Miller, can't remember the number..........
    It's 20 some years old,the size of a mig welder that age and only cuts 1/4...3/8.....
    The new one is the size of small suitcase and supposedly will "burn" through 1 1/8 I think it is....
    Not supposed to have any trouble with 7/8''.
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2021
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