Galvanized Body Components, Aligning And Welding
Aligning
- Galvanized body components can be aligned in the usual way, but avoid using a body file. Use a sanding block or grinding disc with 80-grade paper instead
- Apply soldering paste in the usual way
- The soldering paste removes the galvanizing and adheres to the bare metal
- Always finish with 120-grain paper to prepare for spray painting.
NOTE:
Protect the galvanized layer as much as possible, as it is part of the rust protection.
Welding
- Galvanized body components can be welded using MAG and resistance spot welding.
- Protect the galvanized layer when preparing to weld.
NOTE:
Use welding primer between the joins. Use point extraction
.
- When resistance spot welding , the electrodes must be pressed together for a longer period than for untreated metal.
- Voltage must also be increased slightly.
NOTE:
Check welds carefully. Surfaces must be clean when resistance spot welding. Clean the surfaces using Scotch-Brite or similar. This protects the zinc coating and phosphate coating on the metal.
Base filling
- After aligning galvanized panels use plastic filler in the same way as on ordinary body panels
- Not all types of filler can be used directly on galvanized metal
- Volvo has developed a special filler . This filler can be used on both aluminum and conventional body panels. No primer is necessary .
When applying plastic filler
- Apply filler
- Do not damage the galvanized layer
- Filler thickness max 1 mm
- Sand off the old paint
- Old paint need not be sanded off if damage is superficial. Matt using 120-grain paper
- Limit the area being sanded. Remember that it will need to be spray painted later
- Always finish with 120-grain paper to prepare for spray painting.