Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Tesla - UPDATE

Weld-through primers are generally a zinc-based product that are applied to the mating surfaces prior to welding. Corroding zinc forms zinc oxide which protects the steel. This is called sacrificial corrosion. For a quality weld to be made it’s required that the weld-through primer be removed from the direct weld zone before welding the joint when GMA welding. Many OEMs have a position on when and how to use weld-through primer or when it shouldn’t be utilized. Let’s see what Tesla recommends and where this information can be found.

Tesla provides recommendations on how to use weld-through primer when performing plug welds and butt joint welds. This information can be found under: Collision Repair Procedures ➤ General Information ➤ Performing A Structural Repair On A Tesla Vehicle ➤ Preparing For Installation.

Tesla states under Preparing a Butt Joint:

• "For backing plates: ...
2. For steel components only: Apply weld-through primer to both sides of the backing plate and allow sufficient time for the primer to dry…
3. For steel components only: Use a disc or belt sander with a surface conditioning abrasive product to remove the weld-through primer on the outboard surfaces of the backing plate only in the weld locations.”

Tesla states under Preparing Surfaces for GMA Welding:

• "For plug welds on steel components only: Apply weld-through primer. ...
2. Apply weld-through primer to the exposed metal surfaces between the panels in the plug weld area where adhesive cannot be applied and allow sufficient time for the primer to cure.
3. Use a disc or belt sander with a surface conditioning abrasive product to remove the weld-through primer at the plug weld locations."

Use the vehicle-specific body repair manuals to determine which type of welding is required for the repair you are performing. Failure to follow OEM procedures will sacrifice the safety and quality of the repair.

For additional Tesla information, check out the Tesla OEM Information page.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• Collision Information Website Access: Tesla
• Step-By-Step: Accessing Tesla Repair Information
• Weld-Through Primer Guidelines
• Welding And MIG Brazing Hotspot

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