GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: uber pikey on 13 May 2009, 22:46

Title: SILL Replacement
Post by: uber pikey on 13 May 2009, 22:46
Ok, I am going to invest in new sills this weekend and have been given the option of a propper spot welder for the job, who has changed them before on their mk2 3dr and what tips do you have, I have changed sills on a few cars in the past but it's always better to get tips before a job :grin:

Where is the best place to purchase and is it worth replacing the outer skin on it's own or just go for both outer and inner as the option of the box section sounds inviting..And prices would be cool to.
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: Diamond Hell on 14 May 2009, 11:29
This thread is meaningless without photos.
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: Ben Lessani on 15 May 2009, 09:49
I haven't changed a whole sill, just patch repaired a few, so I don't have much experience. But you only need to replace the inner and outer if both are rotten, surely?

Its a hellish amount of work to replace the two.

Any work I did, I used a steel plate, shaped the piece with a recessed overlap, plug welded at 25mm intervals, then seam welded the edge.

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/sills.htm
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: uber pikey on 15 May 2009, 21:15
Thanks Ben, at least you have read my post and had some kind of technical answer instead of a power posting pointless reply.

Diamond hell, I am changing the sills at the side of the car, you know the bits at the bottom! why you need pictures of them is beyond me mate but hey ho.
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: danny_p on 15 May 2009, 21:42
well quite obvious really your asking for tip and weather to do the inner or inner and outer.  well that muchly depends on how much is knackerd
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: Diamond Hell on 15 May 2009, 21:45
Diamond hell, I am changing the sills at the side of the car, you know the bits at the bottom! why you need pictures of them is beyond me mate but hey ho.

I am quite aware of what the sills are and their location.

Maybe we need pictures because the repair is very different depending on the level of decomposition?

Unless we can SEE what you're attempting to repair, how would we know whether the inner sill needs replacing?

As you've obviously done the repair many times I'm slightly confused as to why you're even asking, to be honest.  

Asking for advice on major structural repairs to your car on the interweb is about as well advised as holidaying in Basra.
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: danny_p on 15 May 2009, 21:49
 :grin:

cut the hole sill out and watch the car twist
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: l333 on 15 May 2009, 22:22
personaly i think if ure asking questions like that and u dont see the relevance of posting pics u should get some one else to do it  :grin:
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: uber pikey on 16 May 2009, 16:28
Thanks, there seems to be a bit of bitterness about my quip, I am on the back foot from the start. I was only after advice from someone who had actualy carried the job out not people that need to see pictures as to the extent. If you have changed the inner sill then you earn the right to comment otherwise leave it.
As for Basrah I have done three tours and ignore your attempt at being funny.
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: Ben Lessani on 16 May 2009, 16:51
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=49436.msg979860#msg979860
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: danny_p on 16 May 2009, 18:23
so i has the right to comment wow.   

support it, measure it,   cut it,  offer up and tack, measure up.  weld, measure more, weld  measure more weld more ect
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: Ben Lessani on 16 May 2009, 18:58
so i has the right to comment wow.   

support it, measure it,   cut it,  offer up and tack, measure up.  weld, measure more, weld  measure more weld more ect

Sounds about right, but you forgot to say make silly faces whilst avoiding grinding sparks even though you're wearing a full face mask - or is that just me
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: uber pikey on 16 May 2009, 22:50
Thanks Ben, I knew there would be someone that was able to help me in the right direction not just waffle through pretending to be any good.

Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: Ben Lessani on 17 May 2009, 01:01
You're obviously a bit new here - a few tips are not to get so easily offended.

DiamondHell and DannyP both know a lot more about this than I do - but they can't offer advice unless you can fully describe the situation.

As per the forum motto - expect help and sarcasm and try not to bite the hand that feeds you ;)
Title: Re: SILL Replacement
Post by: sidecarphil on 17 May 2009, 12:21
i replaced the sill on a sh1tty old fiesta once

make sure you tack both ends in place before you start seam welding

or the panel bends with the heat and by the time you get to the other end it is bent like a bannana  :grin: :grin: