Hey guys, I was just wondering if there's any secrets to removing a heater bubble? I've done one before but surely there's a cleaner and less nasty way of doing it, without wrecking everything in it's way! Has anyone got a good run down on how to do it? Thanks for any help in advance

This is a interesting read, this is a job I will have to tackle sooner or later myself.
 
http://www.classic-ford.org/cfp/tm.aspx?m=69786 

Cheers mate, I was just after more info on pulling it off successfully? Anyone have any info?

Find a spot weld removing drill, and electric drill and start drilling.
That's about all any of us can do.

Yerp, I'm doing a resto/ modify to a mk2 coup. . Heater , bulkhead, floors , sills arches. With mk2s I remove the vent With the bubble after the Windscreen is out to access the spotwelds . Makes a better finish once back on.

Thanks mate! That's actually a helpful hint! Cheers

PeterM
Find a spot weld removing drill, and electric drill and start drilling.
That's about all any of us can do.

 
Thats what I did exactly.
If you line up the drill exactly in the middle of the spot weld and are careful, you can feel when it breaks through the top layer of steel and thus wouldnt damage the lower panel as much.
 
 Having said that my effort was mostly messy. Getting my bubble off was more of a rushed job than Id hoped so I have some holes to be welded shut where the bit went through both layers. Make sure you give it more time than I did as you will be a lot better in the long run.
 
Cheers,
Ryan

Yep, a spot weld drill and be gentle so you dont push all the way through. After that for me it was carefully with a hammer and chisel for those PITA spot welds where you just missed the edge.  If you are careful enough that should be very minimal

Get a long spot weld drill bits in 6mm and 8mm Diameter. the short ones require and angled drill in some locations due to the bubble shape which makes more mess and more likely to break through or not cut the whole spot out.
Hole punch where you want to drill first
If you watch you'll see when you finish cutting through the upper panel, change in colour (rust) and feel/sense it once you get used to it.
If you do drill through hold a piece of brass behind the hole and fill with weld. the weld wont stick to the brass and the brass acts as a mandrel and heat soak...it gets hot, wear gloves. I have a selection of brass pieces. Old cupboard handles, mushroom shaped, big brass padlocks, flat plate/sheet etc
I find it easier to plug holes than try and repaid mangled steel after the cold chisel has been used. Id rather drill it out with a bigger bit than smack the bejesus out of it trying to cold cut.
Take your time and be patient and it will work out OK.
 
JP

Cheers blokes:)