On-Demand Class
How to Install Patch Panels with a Tig Welder On-Demand Class
On-Demand Class
Eastwood has been the DIY Automotive Authority since 1978. Eastwood University allows DIY enthusiasts to learn valuable automotive restoration, fabrication, and customization skills from some of the industry’s most talented professionals. Learn More
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QUESTIONS? Talk to an Expert: 800-343-9353 | Chat | Email Us
When rust has fully penetrated a body panel, there’s only one correct solution: cut it out and replace it with fresh metal. In this Eastwood University on-demand course, professional metal shaper Ryan Kraus of Crucible Coachworks walks you step-by-step through TIG welding a patch panel replacement, using professional techniques that prioritize precision, control, and long-term durability.
This class focuses on deep rust repair—not surface corrosion—showing how to properly excise rot, fit reproduction patch panels, TIG weld thin automotive sheet metal, and metal-finish the repair so it’s ready for epoxy primer and bodywork. You’ll learn not only how to TIG weld patch panels, but why each step matters to prevent warping, shrinkage, and future failures.
What You’ll Learn
- How to identify structural rot versus treatable surface rust
- Proper planning and damage assessment before cutting
- Evaluating reproduction patch panels for thickness, shape, and quality
- Modifying patch panels to correct poor stamping
- TIG welder setup for thin automotive sheet metal
- Proper tack welding technique to ensure full penetration
- Managing heat shrinkage through stretching and planishing
- Welding a continuous TIG seam with minimal filler rod
- Grinding and metal finishing without thinning parent metal
- Preparing repaired panels for epoxy primer and bodywork
Accessing your on-demand class is easy and the best part is you can access the class around the clock on any day. Eastwood University classes must be purchased on Eastwood.com. Once purchased here, we will send you all of the information to access your course on EastwoodUniversity.com. You can browse classes on either site, but you will always be directed to Eastwood.com for the purchasing transaction.
Looking for more? View our full and growing line of popular on-demand classes at EastwoodUniversity.
Steps to Access Your Class:
1. Purchase here on eastwood.com
2. Receive email from “eastwooduniversity/learnworlds”
3. Click the link and set up an Eastwood University profile
4. Access your purchased course by clicking the “Continue” button
5. Watch at your convenience and as often as you want
Eastwood University takes no responsibility for actions of viewers that cause damage to vehicles, equipment, or property, nor for personal injury to themselves or others, from techniques or suggestions offered by this or other Eastwood University workshops, clinics, or articles. Care must be taken by the end users to ensure the safety of themselves and others in accordance with local bylaws and general common sense. No guarantees of final outcome apply to procedures shown in Eastwood University instructional videos. Unauthorized duplication of any material strictly prohibited under penalty of law.
Once purchased, on-demand classes are not returnable.
