How do I cut a weld between to panels without destroying either pannel?

[JimUS023372]

I am restoring a 40 Ford pickup and the previous owner welded the front fenders to the running boards. I need to separate these without destroying either the fenders or the runnung boards. What is the best way to do that?
Help!! I have NO welding experience . .

[dabar39]

Can you post some pictures so we can see exactly what the situation is?

You haven't given enough info to really help you, all we can do is guess at what the problem is.

Was it spot welded, plug welded, seam welded, etc...etc....

that all makes a difference on getting it apart.

[Aerometalworker]

I am restoring a 40 Ford pickup and the previous owner welded the front fenders to the running boards. I need to separate these without destroying either the fenders or the runnung boards. What is the best way to do that?
Help!! I have NO welding experience . .

No matter what your going to be doing some structural body work on the RB and fenders once you get them apart. Time to learn When we see the pics we can point you in the right direction.

[m.k.swelding]

I would just cut the center of the weld with a die grinder

[glh]

I would just cut the center of the weld with a die grinder

yep thats what i would do to just cut the weld slowly and just enough to get it to let go and then grind the rest of the weld off
then weld or bondo if needed
hope this helps
gary...

[JimUS023372]

I will post some pictures ..

Thanks for the replies. I agree with the suggestion to cut it slowly - just enough to get them free from one another. I was hoping to minimize the damage. The welds are seam-welds along the entire length of where the fender and running board meet. I will post some pictures as soon as I take them. Jim

[Icarus]

Could also gouge the stitch welds with a small diameter electrode. If you are able to get a grinder and zipcut in there it might be your best bet.

[JSFAB]

Assuming the weld is straight and clean enough, an .045 cutoff wheel, whether on a die grinder or a small sidewinder.

[Aerometalworker]

even thinner of a cut can be made with a dremel cut off wheel I believe