01-03-2023, 10:31 AM
First up, I don't intend to get my bus to concourse standard. (...or even close !)
My intentions, as I start this journey, are to gain enough practical skills - Welding/Panel/Paint - to enable me to get rid of the rust that has started to show its presence....
I'll post pics. as I go with the repairs but need to start with my learning Journey.
On the old Forum, a number of people posted after completing a light vehicle repair course at St. Leonards TAFE.
It was a basic panel beating course run by a couple of very passionate Teachers and from all reports, it was a brilliant thing to do.
The two Teachers have since left TAFE and started their own business,
MotorRetro: https://www.motorretro.com.au
(Worth having a look around their website to see what they offer....)
I took my bus out there late last year to get their opinions on process and whether or not they felt the work was within my capabilities.
I have many years experience with Carpentry / Construction tools but very little metal fabrication experience.
Their response....?
" What have you got to lose ....? "
With the escalating costs of Professional ( proper ) panel and paint work, I thought I might as well learn to do it myself......and what a great decision that has been !
I initially purchased a Block of 24hrs for $745.00 (....works out to be about $31/hr......) and went out there for my first hands-on experience.
To say I was blown away by their Workshop facilities, equipment, Teaching skills etc. is an understatement.
Georgio & Vaughan are more than panelbeaters.....they are Coachbuilders.
There is no body filler onsite....anything that requires filling is lead-wiped. Any shaped panel can be replicated onsite using a multitude of equipment both manual and machine.
MotorRetro offer restoration services during the week and classes on Tuesday nights and Saturdays....
Moving on.......
My first session was an introduction to MIG welding and panel forming......straight into it !!
I took my CIG Weldkill 185 Inverter MIG/ DC Lift TIG/ Stick welder out with me and they helped me dial it in for all the types of work I'd be doing.
Having their experience over my shoulder as I went was great...no classroom theory, just hands on learning...
[attachment=3165]
We started with MIG Tacking....I learned very quickly that a weld may look good on the outside but without proper penetration, it was useless....
All looked good on the surface......
[attachment=3166]
But the underside showed where the penetration wasn't up to scratch....
My intentions, as I start this journey, are to gain enough practical skills - Welding/Panel/Paint - to enable me to get rid of the rust that has started to show its presence....
I'll post pics. as I go with the repairs but need to start with my learning Journey.
On the old Forum, a number of people posted after completing a light vehicle repair course at St. Leonards TAFE.
It was a basic panel beating course run by a couple of very passionate Teachers and from all reports, it was a brilliant thing to do.
The two Teachers have since left TAFE and started their own business,
MotorRetro: https://www.motorretro.com.au
(Worth having a look around their website to see what they offer....)
I took my bus out there late last year to get their opinions on process and whether or not they felt the work was within my capabilities.
I have many years experience with Carpentry / Construction tools but very little metal fabrication experience.
Their response....?
" What have you got to lose ....? "
With the escalating costs of Professional ( proper ) panel and paint work, I thought I might as well learn to do it myself......and what a great decision that has been !
I initially purchased a Block of 24hrs for $745.00 (....works out to be about $31/hr......) and went out there for my first hands-on experience.
To say I was blown away by their Workshop facilities, equipment, Teaching skills etc. is an understatement.
Georgio & Vaughan are more than panelbeaters.....they are Coachbuilders.
There is no body filler onsite....anything that requires filling is lead-wiped. Any shaped panel can be replicated onsite using a multitude of equipment both manual and machine.
MotorRetro offer restoration services during the week and classes on Tuesday nights and Saturdays....
Moving on.......
My first session was an introduction to MIG welding and panel forming......straight into it !!
I took my CIG Weldkill 185 Inverter MIG/ DC Lift TIG/ Stick welder out with me and they helped me dial it in for all the types of work I'd be doing.
Having their experience over my shoulder as I went was great...no classroom theory, just hands on learning...
[attachment=3165]
We started with MIG Tacking....I learned very quickly that a weld may look good on the outside but without proper penetration, it was useless....
All looked good on the surface......
[attachment=3166]
But the underside showed where the penetration wasn't up to scratch....