Hi Im new to the forums and I have a question about welding, Im new to welding and basically never welded, I have a 73 c10 and need to weld some of the body, like the bottom door repair pannels and such, What type of welder would I use? Whats easiest and whats cheapest. Thanks in advance and have a Happy Holiday

My friend has an old work truck that the harmonic balancer came off of while he was driving. the bolt hole is striped out and the key way is messes up. The engine (350 chevy) just is not worth putting a new crank in with 250 thousand plus miles on it. He wants me to weld it on for him. I have heard of this being done before from some old timers but I am not sure what type of rod to use or if I should put a little preheat to it first. I have welded hardened steel before with stainless rod and had good luck but I don't remember what type of rod I used. I have 316 and 309 rod would one of those work or should I drop down to something like A 304. Any thoughts or ideas on this. Thank in advance Mike.