My first welding experience was welding patch panels in a rusted out floor of a VW bug...(going into a baja).

I picked it up pretty fast and now anything that isn't as thin as a fingermail and rusted/covered with gooey crap is a breeze.

We have a mig welder as well...older snap-on upright model...220V 100% duty cycle (important for some jobs). Its for autobody work but has no problem doing up some pretty think stuff.

Obviously I am pretty green still but deinfely don't get something that you are always underpowered cursing at it. Being able to select exactly what you want (heat and wirespeed) has been the biggest help for me.

Go autotinting hoods!!!