http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...iy-mig-welders

this is the welder i use at home , its ideal for restoration and most types of welding you would do at home , welds up to 6mm mild steel witch covers welding chassis easly as well as being able to weld thin gauge steel

i wouldent use gasless wire tho , useing gas ( argoshield) gives a cleaner and stronger weld and reantal on a decent size cylinder from B.O.C. will only set you back a round £50-60 a year

iv had it nearly 6 years done 3 near compleat resorations and currently on my 4th with this welder and hasent missed a beat so long as you maintain it

and as for teaching you self to weld find your self pleanty of sheet metal, as youll need it and just keep practicing , be pacient and keep at it , it will come to you
start with puddel ( plug ) welds , then try doing a seam of weld , then lap welding to peaces together ( over laping ) and once you good at all thos try butt welding ( edge to edge ) , theres pleanty of infomation on the net about it mate to help you

as the saying goes " practice makes perfect !!!