Welding on factory frames,
I think we need a light-hearted approach to discussing topics on a discussion board so I’ll start.
Hey @gonzopancho I apologize if I hurt your feelers asking questions about welding on factory frames, your frame looks pretty with all those new welds! If you want to un-lock your thread I’ll go remove all my questions there.
So my question still remains for anyone that has real knowledge, took a class 35 years ago in college or can point to any real facts on the internet that debunk the broadly accepted practices about welding on factory frames.
@Cruisers and Co started to have a discussion when he said “The crystalline structure does change when you weld something but wrapping helps prevent a point of stress concentrations by dispersing the load around a bend rather than stoping at a point.” And I found that interesting and never thought about it but it makes sense to me, I will use that strategy next time I have a vertical weld thank you!
I had asked your opinion about four top to bottom vertical welds within 6” on a frame and I’m genuinely interested in your thoughts. I understand if you don’t want to answer and I won’t put you on the spot and ask again.
That frame appeared to be suspended on a rotisserie only on the ends of the frame and welded along its length in various spots in various directions, as was said I don’t believe it will ever be a problem on that vehicle but it brings up the question what is necessary, what is old timer rule of thumb verses what is based in science and engineering.
My “opinion” is that goes against everything I’ve been told or read personally and goes against any advice I’ve seen anyone ever give a new person in our hobby looking to weld on their frame. I was given my fabrication foundation 43 year ago by an old-timer then so my base information is probably 80 years old and I’ve never questioned it but I’m always open to hearing about new ideas and sharing what I believe with others.
So let’s question what we believe together and try to match some facts with some old-timer rule of thumb..
I think we need a light-hearted approach to discussing topics on a discussion board so I’ll start.
Hey @gonzopancho I apologize if I hurt your feelers asking questions about welding on factory frames, your frame looks pretty with all those new welds! If you want to un-lock your thread I’ll go remove all my questions there.
So my question still remains for anyone that has real knowledge, took a class 35 years ago in college or can point to any real facts on the internet that debunk the broadly accepted practices about welding on factory frames.
@Cruisers and Co started to have a discussion when he said “The crystalline structure does change when you weld something but wrapping helps prevent a point of stress concentrations by dispersing the load around a bend rather than stoping at a point.” And I found that interesting and never thought about it but it makes sense to me, I will use that strategy next time I have a vertical weld thank you!
I had asked your opinion about four top to bottom vertical welds within 6” on a frame and I’m genuinely interested in your thoughts. I understand if you don’t want to answer and I won’t put you on the spot and ask again.
That frame appeared to be suspended on a rotisserie only on the ends of the frame and welded along its length in various spots in various directions, as was said I don’t believe it will ever be a problem on that vehicle but it brings up the question what is necessary, what is old timer rule of thumb verses what is based in science and engineering.
My “opinion” is that goes against everything I’ve been told or read personally and goes against any advice I’ve seen anyone ever give a new person in our hobby looking to weld on their frame. I was given my fabrication foundation 43 year ago by an old-timer then so my base information is probably 80 years old and I’ve never questioned it but I’m always open to hearing about new ideas and sharing what I believe with others.
So let’s question what we believe together and try to match some facts with some old-timer rule of thumb..
You are asking for trouble. And if the heat is focused all in that 1 spot at the same time you are gonna cause more than distortion, it will jeapordize structual integrity. I've been doing this for a lot of years with all types of materials in precision, military, structural, and pipefitting. I've seen all types of welds on all types of materials, and would not weld over anyone elses weld without total removal 1st
.
