welding question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 492
Likes: 3
From: Temecula CA
welding question
Is there any danger in mig welding on the frame of a Corvette while it is assembled? I am aware of the obvious hazards (flammable fiberglass, gas and oil fumes, etc.) I am referring specifically to the danger of the current travelling through the frame and creating a spark in the fuel tank. I have seen threads about the danger of frying electrical components, but nothing specifically about the fuel tank. Thanks for your input!
temvette72
temvette72
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 758
Likes: 14
From: Ville de la Baie Quebec. A winner is just a loser who tried again.
MOdern cars are welded all the time,,, the battery must be disconnected before hand,,, I don't think you have a computer but if it makes you feel better disconect it. current will travel the quickest way between + and - knowing this,, I would not use the gas tank as a ground
,,, Now lets here some views from the engineers (of which I am far from)
,,, Now lets here some views from the engineers (of which I am far from)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
When welding on the frame clamp the ground as close to the area your welding as possible, if welding at the rear the gas tank then I agree with those above it's easy to remove as a precaution.
Steve
Steve
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
If you have SS braided brake lines or other SS lines be careful. I had a set of SS brake lines get fried when welding on the frame. Not pretty. It melted the inner line and leaked fluid all over.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: houston al
Well as an engineer i agree totally with stpman, there should not be a problem but put your ground as close to the welding area as possible. The only thing to add is welding smoke is a mother to clean off anything it gets on, so be careful what you smoke.....
Cod
Cod
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Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 0
From: bottom of the sea
(
) i also agree you should not have problems welding on your frame. unless you are dripping gas out of your tank and your welding sparks are dropping right into the puddle, you should be ok. a full tank will not explode, an empty one will. never heard of or had a problem with welding smoke. built many a dirt car, right next to classics stored in the same garage, never had a problem.
rebC3 beat me to it! Fill the gas tank before you weld. Take normal precautions for doing any welding. Have good fire extinguisher close. 
I got to remember this,,,,
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I do frame repairs almost daily. Gas tanks are not a problem unless they are leaking. I even do gas tank welding repairs. ( out of the car of course ) and I would not recommend this unless you are taught the proper way, but I would recommend disconnecting the battery when welding on the car anywhere to avoid alternator damage.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 0
From: bottom of the sea
I do frame repairs almost daily. Gas tanks are not a problem unless they are leaking. I even do gas tank welding repairs. ( out of the car of course ) and I would not recommend this unless you are taught the proper way, but I would recommend disconnecting the battery when welding on the car anywhere to avoid alternator damage.