R Tech Mig 180

[Tony Burd]

I got fed up with buying second hand mig welders so have been looking to buy a decent new one. The R tech gets good reviews and after speaking to the guys at the NEC and getting a good show discount plus some extra goodies I decided to order one.
Today I fired it up and was impressed how easy it is to use after about 10 minutes of fiddling around I was pretty happy with some initial results.

Plug welds, bottom one my 1st effort, top one 2nd go

Lap joint



Both on 1mm steel. I've not done much welding and all self taught so I was pleased with the results.

Being an inverter mig its light weight and has infinite voltage settings. It can also be used as a stick welder for heavier gauge stuff.

I've got a bit to do on the SD1 then the Sprint so looking forward to doing some real world stuff.

[Matt Cotton]

Corr....looks like you've got the knack of that Tony!

I'm sure we chatted about this at the NEC, but have a look on youtube for 'Trev's Blog'. He uses the RTech equipment and his tutorials are excellent.

Looking forward to the Sprint project commencing.

All the best.
MC

[Tony Burd]

Cheers Matt, yes we did chat about welding.

I will look Trev up.

[James467]

Ooooohhhh interesting, I'm about to buy an R Tech TIG.

[Tony Burd]

Give them a ring before you order it, they often have deals or ex demo/shop soiled units at a discount. I spoke to Arran very helpful.

[new to this]

That looks a nice peace of kit,what SD1 do you have series 1 or 2,what needs doing,aways like them

Dave

[Tony Burd]

Hi Dave,

It's a series 2 1985 Vitesse, it has been off the road for 10 years so I am recomissioning it. Unfortunately I've found a few holes in the boot floor and rear tubs, so those will be my first jobs.

[Carledo]

Hi Dave,

It's a series 2 1985 Vitesse, it has been off the road for 10 years so I am recomissioning it. Unfortunately I've found a few holes in the boot floor and rear tubs, so those will be my first jobs.

The holes in the boot floor are there to let out the water that comes in round the tailgate seal and rear lights on all SD1s. I was (un)fortunate enough to PDI loads of new ones in the late 70s, it was a rare car that didn't already have a growing puddle, straight off the transporter! Make sure you leave at least 1 hole for the escape!

Steve

[Tony Burd]

Hi Steve,

Yes I have read a lot about leaks into the boot on the SD1, the joys of British cars.

Cheers

Tony

[cleverusername]

The holes in the boot floor are there to let out the water that comes in round the tailgate seal and rear lights on all SD1s. I was (un)fortunate enough to PDI loads of new ones in the late 70s, it was a rare car that didn't already have a growing puddle, straight off the transporter! Make sure you leave at least 1 hole for the escape!

Steve

The Rover 75, a car they made 25 years later, is notorious for leaking into the boot as well. Which I suppose is why the company went under. They could never get the little details right.

[RobSun]

Rover 75 leaks in boot caused by rear light seals easy fix.

[cleverusername]

Rover 75 leaks in boot caused by rear light seals easy fix.

Oh no that is the tip of the iceberg, it can also leak through the rear screen mounting clips and the side trim. Have a look at some of the examples on 75 forums. I have sealed my rear lights, it reduced the leak, it didn't fully cure it. Which in my view is a designed flaw.

To be fair, a Honda Jazz can be used as a mobile fish tank, so even the Japanese get it wrong sometimes.

[RobSun]

Rover 75 leaks in boot caused by rear light seals easy fix.

Oh no that is the tip of the iceberg, it can also leak through the rear screen mounting clips and the side trim. Have a look at some of the examples on 75 forums. I have sealed my rear lights, it reduced the leak, it didn't fully cure it. Which in my view is a designed flaw.

To be fair, a Honda Jazz can be used as a mobile fish tank, so even the Japanese get it wrong sometimes.

I am a member of the 75/ZT club and know of the other leaks but the lights is first to look at, the rest are also not that hard to rectify. The 75 isn't prone to rusting but leaks can be a pain at the front causing probs with the lights ECU, sometimes fires. Most electric problems to main ECU is blocked plenum drains and poor quality BMW electrics straight out of the 3 series. Never hear people deride those though. Generally a car that does not deserve its reputation and received many an accolade during and after production. Fastest growing car club also and a very large following.

[Bumpa]

Most electric problems to main ECU is blocked plenum drains and poor quality BMW electrics straight out of the 3 series. Never hear people deride those though. Generally a car that does not deserve its reputation and received many an accolade during and after production. Fastest growing car club also and a very large following.

Ah, poor quality BMW electrics. Owning a 17 year old Z3 I know all about those. I have had to resort to buying the INPA software so I can interrogate the car at home. I seem to have got most of the issues ironed out for now, but at some cost.

I really rate the MG ZT, especially the V6 version, and the estate (ZT-T) is my favourite. Smooth, powerful, refined and a generally very nice car. I ought to buy one really, but I have four cars already - and a wife!