Weld-Through Primer Guidelines: Ford/Lincoln

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 Ford/Lincoln recommends and where this information can be found.

This information can be found in the vehicle-specific Workshop manuals. Ford/Lincoln calls out the use of weld-through primer in a few locations.

Ford/Lincoln states in 501-25 Body Repairs – General Information ➤ General Procedures ➤ Welding Precautions: "Use of a weld-through primer is recommended where applicable."

In 501-26 Body Repairs – Vehicle Specific Information And Tolerance Checks ➤ General Procedures ➤ Body Panel Sectioning, Ford/Lincoln states: "When welding overlapping surfaces or substrates, apply a high quality weld-through primer between the surfaces prior to welding."

Ford/Lincoln does not specify a specific brand of weld-through primer. When repairing aluminum, weld-through primer is NOT recommended for use. The 2015-2024 Ford F-150 and 2017-2024 Ford Super Duty has an all-aluminum body.

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

For additional Ford/Lincoln information, check out the following pages:
Ford OEM Information
Lincoln OEM Information

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

• Step-By-Step: Accessing Ford/Lincoln Repair Information
• Weld-Through Primer Guidelines
• Welding And MIG Brazing Hotspot

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