Welding options for frame

[kirkask1861]

Okay so I am about to embark on a tone of frame repair on my GPW. What are others using to weld with I know the frame metal is about 1/8 inch and the inner frame rail is thinner. With the options I have I can mig or tig I have a friend that knows both and is willing to devote a weekend to help me get it all back welded. Also are any of you using gas with earthier option and if so what gas are you using. On the frame I have to cut out and replace areas that are rusted thro and also have to replace the front frame horn on the passenger side and both the rear frame horns on the back. Any advice would be awesome thanks.
Austin Kirkland

[Scrumps]

Hi,

On both our MB's I used MIG.

When replacing the horns, make sure you do a V-cut in the side rail , not just a straight cut and butt weld. V-cut spreads the stresses and gives a larger area to weld.

I have heard of people putting a fishplate behind the joint for extra reinforcement but I've never found the need.

I temporarily fitted the bumper and rear x-member as well as making a simple jig for the front horn when I did mine to ensure everything aligned and wasn't twisted.

Regards

Scrumps

[JAB]

Sometimes I prefer to gas-weld the frame so that I can really control the puddle and flow. The frame is very forgiving compared to sheetmetal.

[dpcd67]

What Scrump said; you must use Argon/CO2 for MIG, and straight Argon for TIG.
Do not use gas; that is so 19th century. I use MIG for my GPW frame and V interfaces; I had the replacement sections made at a local sheet metal shop.
The TMs call for a fish plate and of course that would be the strongest way. And on a GPW, it would be hidden by the inner frame rail. They also say do not weld the ends of the fish plate on; only the tops and bottoms. Expansion or something.
The steel used on GPW frames is not 1/8th; it is... crap, now I forgot the gauge, about .1 thickness. I hope my brian is not going. Just came to me; 12 gauge.

[JAB]

................
Do not use gas; that is so 19th century......................

Wow, that's worse than what my 19 year old son reminds me......that I'm from the 1900's.

[dpcd67]

I know it was harsh, but most guys these days don't know how to manage acetylene welding and might make the steel weaker. MIG is more forgiving and precise. You know all that; I'm just trying to protect others.

[Adam]

Hmmm mig welding is metal inactive gas and mag is metal active gas, so you cant really mig weld using co2 weather straight, 75/25 or 98/2 since that is an active gas. And we know everybody wants the correct names for things.

Adam

[dpcd67]

And yet, the gas that is used for MIG welding steel is Argon and CO2. It is only truly inert if you use straight argon, on aluminum.

[tamnalan]

................
Do not use gas; that is so 19th century......................

Wow, that's worse than what my 19 year old son reminds me......that I'm from the 1900's.

Strictly speaking, "19th century" refers to the 1800s.

[dpcd67]

Of course it is; and that is exactly what I meant. 1800s; 19th Century. When welding as we know it was developed.
Read this:
"During the Industrial Revolution, more modern welding techniques were developed. The discovery of the production of an arc between two carbon electrodes using a battery is credited to chemist Sir Humphry Davy in 1800. In 1802, Russian scientist Vasily Petrov created the stable electric arc, which enabled metalworkers to melt metals. Edmund Davy, who is Humphry Davy’s cousin, has been credited with discovering acetylene in 1836. These discoveries led to the invention of the electric generator, gas welding and cutting, and more stable arc welding in the mid-19th Century."

[JAB]

................
Do not use gas; that is so 19th century......................

Wow, that's worse than what my 19 year old son reminds me......that I'm from the 1900's.

Strictly speaking, "19th century" refers to the 1800s.

No strictly about it, it is. But I still think it’s funny that my son says that I’m from the 1900’s. And I still occasionally gas weld when I determine that I can make the repair better when using that technique over other methods.