Project suggestions, help welcome

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Good morning guys,    newby here ( no welding expirence ) trying to get some advice befor making rash decision, basically i just bought a jeep and its in need of some luv and i would like to do some custom work to it for functionaity and also to clean up. I have some pics for you to enjoy and i was hoping you guys could help me decide the best option. So you know I'm willing to do all the work my self and also it would give me a reason to get in to welding and other projects that sound fun, so im not afraid to get my hands dirty. My rig ( new to me ) 1949 cj3a, one of the previous owners did custom work on it all ready but i think really sloppy or drunk welding, but then again maybe there was some method to the madness you tell me.the jeep now the welds weird yes? no?i would like to grind down the welds smooth and also cut the top cab front above the fold down winshield and below the back windown were it was previously welded to insert some hinges to create a custome fold down hardtop and ill probably have to use half door instead of the willys steel doors so it doesnt look weird. i have found couple of mig welders for around 500.00 and i get one in time, i would also use the mig for other types of fabrication. should i get one and learn or find some one local? how much would you guys charge for work lets say just cutting, and welding hinges to cab and top, you guys think this is even doo able?
Reply:Those are just unfinished is all. A litle cold so as not to blow holes, grind flush when finished, paint over them in the interim to keep rust out. I've got a lot of those projects around. Someday I'll get one done.
Reply:im no pro, but ill chime inif your looking to do anything more than bodywork, id say youll definately want to try and get a 220v welder (175amps+).110v CAN do thicker material, but you have to know what your doing and 220v makes things a little more betterer so to speak.Lincoln, Miller, Hobart would be great names to look for. an argon cylinder, extra spool of wire,  a comfortable hood (variable shade auto dark is nice but NOT needed), comfortable gloves, as many clamps as you can manage, grinder (4.5" should do the trick), safety glasses (not to be cool, just to keep the gremelins generated by grinding and cutting from imbedding themselves in your corneas), alot of scrap metal roughly the thickness as what youll be welding to practice on (oopsies are alot better during practice!).not sure how i feel about the hinged top, it looks like it might look akward when the top is down. of course maybe im wrong but from those pics it looks that way.i think if anything i would go with a removeable top (with a roll bar of course if one isnt already there). from what i can see it might look a little better, and in my oppinion be easier to fab. just pull a couple pins, strap the top into the bed, and be on yer way. do the doors lift off at the hinges like on other jeeps? either way itd prolly be easy enough to fab up some half doors for it anyway.just remember when in doubt, ask "is it gonna be safe?"