Cut OEM FST bows and How To Fix them?

[Shep59]

I purchased a set of bows from a Mud member several years back and I remembered he told me had would have to cut them due to shipping and I agreed, no problem. So, it looks like they were cut with a "tube cutter" or something like that because all of the edges are nicely sharp and straight. I'm wondering how large the kerf was. would I need to fashion a thin washer between each end ...then tack it together..then grind the weld down smooth? I think I remember somewhere on here about someone was measuring bows....but anyway, if I knew the dimension of inside to inside of the rear bow that would tell me if I just needed to tack them in place or put a shim in the cut and tack that way....any wisdom would be appreciated!

 

[jembourbe]

If he used a pipe cutter, there shouldn't be a kerf: Indeed, cutting it with a rolling pipe cutter might have (microscopically) lengthened the re-assembled part. But even if there was a 1/8" kerf (like if he sawed it) I doubt that would make any real difference in the fit.

The smart way to re-assemble would be to use a tube of smaller diameter inside the two sections you have, like an internal sleeve joint. Tack weld, epoxy, whatever

 

[Shep59]

thanks for the prompt reply! He cut the rear bow at the top on both sides, so I actually have 3 pieces to weld back. Yes, I think an inside sleeve would be the easiest. I think I need to start a "Build" thread...thanks

 

[Living in the Past]

Hopefully they were cut on a curve. Tie rod fits snug. Would use a small section at any cut. Cleaned and flux could use silver solder at the cut. Done right could hide the joint completely once painted.