welding/identifying HSLA steel?

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i have been asked to weld body panels on someones 2001 subaru wrx but told them i would have to research this some since i know that alot of vehicles have hsla body parts. iv'e googled alot and can't find any info on it. does anyone know how to identify hsla or if it is weldable by the hobbyist?
Reply:Typically HSLA steels are not good candidates for welding.  The heat of welding destroys the microscopic structure in the steel that makes it high strength.  This change is, for all practical purposes, irreversible.This said, I would never weld structural parts(frame, suspension mounts, etc.) made from HSLA alloys.  Welding body panels, which are cosmetic, should be possible.  I would worry about distortion, since a stamped panel will have a great deal of residual stress stored in the material.  Welding heat will release these stresses and lots of distortion could result.HSLA steels have compositions that are not too dissimilar from ordinary plain carbon steels.  So they should be weldable with common filler metals.Were I in your shoes, I'd discuss your buddies expectations for cosmetic appearance and make sure he knows that the panels won't be as strong or as flat/smooth/symetrical after they've been welded.Hope this helps,Dave Originally Posted by noobiexi have been asked to weld body panels on someones 2001 subaru wrx but told them i would have to research this some since i know that alot of vehicles have hsla body parts. iv'e googled alot and can't find any info on it. does anyone know how to identify hsla or if it is weldable by the hobbyist?
Reply:Whoops, here's the answer to part one of your question,I can't think of any way a hobby welder could positively ID a HSLA material without destructive testing.A metallurgical lab could check the chemistry, and microstructure, and the steel's strength and ductility to confirm the alloy.  But to the average welder/shop, HSLA alloys are indistinguishable from ordinary carbon steel. Originally Posted by noobiexi have been asked to weld body panels on someones 2001 subaru wrx but told them i would have to research this some since i know that alot of vehicles have hsla body parts. iv'e googled alot and can't find any info on it. does anyone know how to identify hsla or if it is weldable by the hobbyist?
Reply:HSLA material are welded every day.  I have the books and will look it up if needed.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Why weld? Go to HF and get a flange tool and go that rout. You just flange the body and punch rivet holes with the other side of the tool and usually there is an epoxy or urithane glue used with flush rivets. I have done fenders and rear quarter panels on a 66 Mustang and it took no time at all to do. Steel Thunder Welding LLC. St. Thomas VI USAMM350PBOBCAT 3MAXSTAR 150 STH375 EXTREME PLASMA6.5 HP COMPRESORDEWALT 18, 24, AND 36 VOLTO/A TORCH SETAND SO MUCH MORE I DONT REMEMBERALL IN MY 2005 2500HD EXTENDED CAB L/B
Reply:so if running a mig setup what filler/gas setup would work best for hsla?70s6/75.25?offrdfun i will run your idea past my friend and see what he saysthanks to all of you you have been so helpful
Reply:as gault said this is welded everyday
Reply:HSLA means high strength low alloy. Very common to weld.For instance: A36  (mild steel)A572A588 / A606 / A242A709 Grade 36, Grade 50, Grade 50WCSA G40.21 44WCSA G40.21 50W / 50A A656104533 MAXBe careful because some body panels on cars are aluminum mixed with powdered metal.I would check into that first.Auto body people know all of the best methods and i would be asking them first.