that is precicely what i would have done. and since it is just sheetmetal and the welder is so dirty, why not save the budget some more and just wire brush em, paint em, and move on. just a time saving thought. time is money.and all that. i say if someone buggs out about the welds, just have em show you thier home built, no budget, gasser!!!!!!!!! it has also been my experience that, the old un-ground, flux-core welds make things look more period correct! build on dude. i like your style!!!!!!!!