bird cage welding

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jun 20, 2008 | 05:19 AM

#21

jds68stang

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,512

Likes: 0

From: New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdj21

that's called gas welding. not sure why they are using that method as it throws a lot more heat in to the part than TIG or MIG would. they are more likely to warp things with gas welding.

trying to picture what he'll need to fab and weld, I'd personally like to have a TIG handy w/ silicon bronze.

Jun 20, 2008 | 08:07 AM

#22

70Yellowbird

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,042

Likes: 19

From: Oswego New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdj21

that's called gas welding. not sure why they are using that method as it throws a lot more heat in to the part than TIG or MIG would. they are more likely to warp things with gas welding.

The shop is going to do the work later this summer ... I'll ask why they proposed that technique before I bring the car there.

Anyone have experience with Harbor Freight welding machines? Are they adequate to do the job, or would I need a better quality machine?

Thanks for the feedback.

Last edited by 70Yellowbird; Jun 20, 2008 at 08:14 AM.

Jun 21, 2008 | 03:37 PM

#23

Smokin Joe

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 1,614

Likes: 7

From: South Florida

http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii1/djgulano/

here are a series of pictures to show you what I'm looking at.

Jun 21, 2008 | 03:53 PM

#24

jds68stang

Drifting

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 1,512

Likes: 0

From: New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smokin Joe

http://s260.photobucket.com/albums/ii1/djgulano/

here are a series of pictures to show you what I'm looking at.

Just looked thru the pics, I was expecting worse for holes etc...
I really dont know what to suggest at this point, will be watching for those w/ experience repairing these cages to chime in on what to do. The main thing I'm concerned w/ is how everything is formed for a reason and retaining that form on a repair is critical. I'd wire wheel the surface rust/grime off and grind in other areas and you'll have more of an idea what's under that. Good luck on it.

Jun 21, 2008 | 04:45 PM

#25

Smokin Joe

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 1,614

Likes: 7

From: South Florida

yeah it's not too bad. I was grinding down parts of it after the pics. The pass side is a little worse off, but I hadn't done the underside of the top. It's not too bad, and the rust doesn't look like it extends down. I may only have to patch on part, or maybe three. I won't actually work on it for a few weeks since I live in Florida and the car is in VA. I'll be practicing on the mig welding until then.

Jun 22, 2008 | 05:32 PM

#26

Tall Boy

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 1,007

Likes: 0

From: Shoshone Idaho

I think you can do it, but I would suggest you try welding a few rusty thin pieces of metal together first.
To do it right it will take lots of time, you need to build it up first then grind it down and check for imperfections than weld nice strong welds at the last than grind it down and sand. Rusty metals are hard to weld and it can make a small hole turn large very fast. By the time you get there you will have learned alot.

Clarke makes a nice mig for about 300.00, gas or gasless.

It will be a challenge, just take you time.

Jun 22, 2008 | 05:48 PM

#27

ctk30

Pro

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 655

Likes: 0

From: Sarasota Fl

I've gone the through probably 6 pounds of wire and I'm a pretty decent welder now

Prep plays a major role

Make sure everything is clean and rust free

I highly reccomend gas also, it was like night and day for me