Okeedokee!

About 15 years ago, at school, I topped my class in Arc welding. It seemed I had a hidden talent. Since then, I haven't touched one, and am asking myself if I should attempt fixing my rusty body work myself???

My question is, What are the relative benefits of MIG over Arc for body work? Or are there any? I'll naturally start reading things, and practice, just wanna know if I'm being stupid?

i tend to disagree. I reckon if you use solid wire with gas at the correct settings it is far better and easier to use. the thing is you must use the correst size wire and gas and rollers and liner for it to all work properly.
But either gas or gasless is far better on panels then a stick. A stick welder is just not really designed to weld thin panel steel. Yes you can do it but why bother when a mig is basicaly made for the job.

I agree with Andy - gas and solid wire, but gasless wire is fine too. Welded my poor superbug back together (over 20 holes, plates and both floorpans) with a MIG

Only use a stick on plate thicker than about one mm.

If you go MIG using gas you will find your welds will be cleaner. You can get small 'D' size bottles that only about 60cm tall and 20cm wide. That's what I use at home.

The bottles are about $50 to fill, but rental of the bottle is $100 a year for BOC. I go through a couple a year so it is worth it for me.

For what I do they more than pay for themselves. You will have to make that decision yourself. You can always send the bottle back after 1 year if you have finished the project and just do little jobs with the gasless.

I have used gasless and have found it gives some porosity in the weld. Unfortunatley panels cannot be cleaned both sides every time.

I have a 140 amp mig and abused it for nearlt ten years never cleaned it and never serviced it. I have only changed the tip twice. Buy a half decent brand like SIP, Ausweld?, BOC and you will have something worth keeping.

Shop around and get prices.

Mig welder, use gas and 6 guage wire,