Simple welding question (1 Viewer)

[tlaporte]

I have this soft top bow support that I bought several years ago. Unfortunately it was bent by USPS when it was shipped, and it cracked at the point of the bend.

Am I correct in thinking this is a relatively simple welding job to fix it?

 

[brian]

The thin base material could pose issues, depending on your skill level and quality of equipment.

 

[tlaporte]

I would need to take this to a shop, as I have neither equipment nor skills.

 

[Heirloom]

If you are an experienced welder, it's not a very big deal. Since the base material is thin, I probably wouldn't grind the weld afterwards, assuming it doesn't look like a booger.

Consider patching this like sheet metal, since it's basically the same. One little tack weld, let cool. Repeat with overlapping tacks until it's complete. Hire someone, or practice on thin scrap if you aren't super confident.

 

[bikersmurf]

OP... Yes fairly easy job for a welder.

Or could also braze with small brazing kit.

 

[BrandonAz]

Yup.. Easy fix but the thin material will easily burn through. Get it straight and then weld it via small overlapping tacks to not build too much heat.

 

[Dynosoar]

If you want to drive 1hr. to Simi Valley I can weld it for you. It would not take long to do.
PM me if you want to take me up on the offer.

Dyno

 

[shawnfj40]

That is a pretty easy fix for either a TIG or gas torch.

 

[Pete]

Given how thin the metal is, I would TIG it. No problem for an experienced welder.

 

[awynne56]

You could try to sleeve it but it's in a weird spot. Or get a skinnier tube all the way up on the in side so if there is burn through it will still be on metal..

 

[firestopper]

This is a simple repair.....period.

 

[tlaporte]

Huge thank you to @Dynosoar for taking the time out of his early Saturday morning to do the favor of welding this up for me. I'm so grateful to be a part of the Mud community.

 

[cuencanolenny]

I would suggest cutting at the joint. Insert a piece of tubing that just fits inside of both pieces. Cope the horizontal piece (the one that isn't broken) to fit to the new joint. Drill 3/16" diameter through the two vertical tubes, then insert the new plug. You can then spot weld the new plug to the parent material and then weld the new horizontal plug to the new joint and you will be good to go. Otherwise this sucker is going to crack about the third bump you hit. I followed this same approach when repairing the jump seat frames on my '70, very strong joint that way.

 

[cuencanolenny]

Here is a link to the seat frame repair.

Jump Seat Frame Repair