Builds 94 FZJ80 - Let the Adventure Ensue (2 Viewers)

[BILT4ME]

Thanks, it makes sense not to wait until something fails. I tend to catastrophize scenarios, especially after reading certain people's expert opinions on automotive repairs. I simply don't want to f*** things up worse.....the old adage, don't fix it if it isn't broken comes to mind. The evidence is there to do something about it though, and I'm at a good point to do it.

Another factor I forgot to mention and for me to consider is that I only have 110v in my garage.

If your friend is a novice welder and he will use a 110v buzz-box welder, then, no. Take it to someone that can weld and fabricate properly or it could make it worse

This is a structural point and the whole idea is to reinforce to prevent a problem, not do a half ass trail repair.

Find a local fabricator that can do it, go through it with them and see if you can come together on a price.

Some exhaust shops have this ability, but they also will tell you they've been welding for years, then put their lowest paid man on it and you end up with crap.

Be prepared to spend $500-$1000 for someone else to do the final welding, even with your help to have it disassembled, cleaned, and ready to be welded.

 

[Broski]

I not sure why some Frames fail/crack at the steering box. Mine hasn't and it's seen a lot of extreme use.

I totally respect @jonheld"s opinion but depending on who you talk to welding on the frame can weaken it and why I haven't done mine.

I also agree with @BILT4ME if your going to do it it need to be done by a experienced welder/fabricator.

Should be easy to get 220 in you shop it's just two 110 legs

 

[suzuguru]

Another factor I forgot to mention and for me to consider is that I only have 110v in my garage.

As long as you have a good, hot circuit that isn't being heavily drawn by other things, there's absolutely nothing wrong with welding it with a machine that runs off of 110-120 VAC. I've been welding for over 25 years (professionally, and at home), and I do probably 95% of my welding with a Miller 140 that runs off of 120 VAC. Most of the time, when I have the need to weld with a 220 VAC outlet, it's because there isn't a hot enough 120 VAC in the area. Occasionally, I will need more power to weld on something really thick. In that case, I usually use my Miller Bobcat gas-powered welder.

 

[BILT4ME]

As long as you have a good, hot circuit that isn't being heavily drawn by other things, there's absolutely nothing wrong with welding it with a machine that runs off of 110-120 VAC. I've been welding for over 25 years (professionally, and at home), and I do probably 95% of my welding with a Miller 140 that runs off of 120 VAC. Most of the time, when I have the need to weld with a 220 VAC outlet, it's because there isn't a hot enough 120 VAC in the area. Occasionally, I will need more power to weld on something really thick. In that case, I usually use my Miller Bobcat gas-powered welder.

And knowing what, why, and when is precisely why I recommend going to a "pro".

IIRC these cover plates are 1/2". The 110v welders are not typically capable of putting out enough heat to properly penetrate 1/2" thick material. They are rated for 3/16" to 1/4" maximum and that's if the weld was prepared properly and he knows what he's doing.

 

[Dusten]

So when does the planning stop and driving start?

 

[suzuguru]

I agree that it should only be done by someone with plenty of experience. Never the less, 1/2" plate can be successfully welded with a 110 welder, given the right conditions.

 

[Dusten]

So when does the planning stop and driving start?

I want to add to this. This isn't a real criticism. But having been around enough car hobbies you see it a lot. People plan and buy and build and keeping adding thinking they need it perfect before using it. Then when it's finally usable they are tired of it.

I'm a big fan of driving it, and upgrade as you have issues. Learn to drive it.

None of this is directed anyone here. Simply advice from an old man.

 

[suzuguru]

I want to add to this. This isn't a real criticism. But having been around enough car hobbies you see it a lot. People plan and buy and build and keeping adding thinking they need it perfect before using it. Then when it's finally usable they are tired of it.

I'm a big fan of driving it, and upgrade as you have issues. Learn to drive it.

None of this is directed anyone here. Simply advice from an old man.

This is an excellent point. I have seen it time and time again. Years ago, when I was big into Suzuki Samurais, we had a friend that also had one. He never went on trail rides or camping trips with us, because he didn't have this or that done to his Samurai. "Oh, I can't go... I have to get my lift" or "I can't go, I need to get my lockers, winch, etc...." After many years of trail rides and camping with our little Samurais, we finally stopped going. It was about that point that he finally finished all his upgrades. Now it just sits in his garage.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

Another factor I forgot to mention and for me to consider is that I only have 110v in my garage.

Sounds like the perfect excuse to install a sub panel for a 220 drop, pick up a miller 211, and learn to weld. It's not rocket science when dealing with mild steel.

With youtube and time, you'd be able to install a doubler / scab plate easily. Your frame isn't 1/2" steel, so you aren't going to need the full capability of a 220v machine, but it will absolutely run smoother.

I want to add to this. This isn't a real criticism. But having been around enough car hobbies you see it a lot. People plan and buy and build and keeping adding thinking they need it perfect before using it. Then when it's finally usable they are tired of it.

I'm a big fan of driving it, and upgrade as you have issues. Learn to drive it.

None of this is directed anyone here. Simply advice from an old man.

Definitely use it, but also there are those of us that tend to enjoy the tinkering more than the using...I am admittedly one of those... I know I'm weird, people tell me all the time.

 

[Feldrian]

And really nice tow rig the Super Duty F350 rides better then the Dodge 2500 on coils and carry’s a load. JMHO

 

[Dusten]

Sounds like the perfect excuse to install a sub panel for a 220 drop, pick up a miller 211, and learn to weld. It's not rocket science when dealing with mild steel.

With youtube and time, you'd be able to install a doubler / scab plate easily. Your frame isn't 1/2" steel, so you aren't going to need the full capability of a 220v machine, but it will absolutely run smoother.



Definitely use it, but also there are those of us that tend to enjoy the tinkering more than the using...I am admittedly one of those... I know I'm weird, people tell me all the time.

I love tinkering. And have a few rigs I never drive. Just wash and dick with and look at.

But for some people it's less about tinkering and more a paralyzing fear of needing 1 more mod to be ready.


I see it a lot with scca crowd. I need new pads. Tires. My brakes arent enough.


Finally a local guy brought a clapped out civic that was gone stock and lapped it all day. Just to show them you can have fun.

 

[Feldrian]

Sounds like the perfect excuse to install a sub panel for a 220 drop, pick up a miller 211, and learn to weld. It's not rocket science when dealing with mild steel.

With youtube and time, you'd be able to install a doubler / scab plate easily. Your frame isn't 1/2" steel, so you aren't going to need the full capability of a 220v machine, but it will absolutely run smoother.



Definitely use it, but also there are those of us that tend to enjoy the tinkering more than the using...I am admittedly one of those... I know I'm weird, people tell me all the time.

One passion feeds the other. I love improving the capability and longevity of what i drive and I love driving it, which inevitably causes breakage and more improvements.

 

[Feldrian]

I love tinkering. And have a few rigs I never drive. Just wash and dick with and look at.

But for some people it's less about tinkering and more a paralyzing fear of needing 1 more mod to be ready.


I see it a lot with scca crowd. I need new pads. Tires. My brakes arent enough.


Finally a local guy brought a clapped out civic that was gone stock and lapped it all day. Just to show them you can have fun.

Yeah, and it's usually covering for a lack of confidence and a fear of looking dumb. I was at a track day back in 2018 in a tired C4 Corvette and out perfomed a buddy in a new GT-R. He was scared of getting a scratch, i drove the wheels off the vette and deserved to be in the traps a few times. I had 1/10 the investment and had 5x as much fun.

It's obviously all relative, but get out and enjoy the creation!

 

[Dusten]

Yeah, and it's usually covering for a lack of confidence and a fear of looking dumb. I was at a track day back in 2018 in a tired C4 Corvette and out perfomed a buddy in a new GT-R. He was scared of getting a scratch, i drove the wheels off the vette and deserved to be in the traps a few times. I had 1/10 the investment and had 5x as much fun.

It's obviously all relative, but get out and enjoy the creation!

That first sentence is me 100%

 

[suzuguru]

I usually fall into the category of wanting to be prepared for anything and everything.

 

[Feldrian]

I usually fall into the category of wanting to be prepared for anything and everything.

I think the 200+lb of tools and recovery gear i haul puts me in the same boat. I really need to pare down.

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I think the 200+lb of tools and recovery gear i haul puts me in the same boat. I really need to pare down.

This makes you the ideal wheeling buddy!

 

[Feldrian]

This makes you the ideal wheeling buddy!

I carry a full felling saw, too. No portable welder though. I haven't gone full nut-job

 

[FMC80]

Great intro and great thread. I was in the Army and Navy (Greenside with the Marines), and spent time at Yokosuka and also at Wheeler AAF on Oahu. My wife and I go back to Hawaii almost every Fall now. Headed back to Japan and Hawaii this coming August.

Thank you for your service! And welcome to the shít show that is my thread!

 

[Somebodyelse5]

I carry a full felling saw, too. No portable welder though. I haven't gone full nut-job

I am typically pretty well prepped… but my main contribution is snacks and cold snacks