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Old Oct 2, 2016 | 12:09 AM
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Has any one ever welded the C4 Corvette front frame rail impact bar. I had a small fender bender and the spot welds broke free. The frame is straight and there is not twisting, cracks or creases. The impact bar is the front cross member that holds the hood and nose. The problem is I don't have a spot welder. Can the frames flange edges be welded on to the impact bar in place of the spot welds? Thanks.
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Old Oct 2, 2016 | 12:30 AM
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Depends on how good you are and not burn holes.
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Old Oct 2, 2016 | 12:52 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
Depends on how good you are and not burn holes.
antfarmer2 wonder why they just spot weld the cross member instead of fully welding the edges of the flanges. seems that would be better than than the spot welds. any way, i'm going to have to hire a professional welder to do the job.



Front Cross member that holds the hood and front bumper, the spot welds separated.
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Old Oct 2, 2016 | 06:14 PM
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"antfarmer2 wonder why they just spot weld the cross member instead of fully welding the edges of the flanges. seems that would be better than than the spot welds. any way, i'm going to have to hire a professional welder to do the job."

The robotic welders are responsible.
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Old Oct 2, 2016 | 07:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Churchkey
"antfarmer2 wonder why they just spot weld the cross member instead of fully welding the edges of the flanges. seems that would be better than than the spot welds. any way, i'm going to have to hire a professional welder to do the job."

The robotic welders are responsible.
You should see a body shop in action spot weld just about everything. Welding will draw and warp the metal much harder to control in mass production.
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Old Oct 2, 2016 | 09:29 PM
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I painted cars in my youth. From what I remember from my ICAR course (which was a long time ago) it is generally acceptable to weld any kind of mild steel, however you choose to do it. You would best do this with a mig.

Welding is not, or may not be acceptable, on specialized steels. (Such as those found in door crash bars, etc.)

Because if you heat those up they lose strength and are effectively mild steel that won't do the job when called upon.

And again, assuming mild steel, it is acceptable to drill out a resistance type spot weld and replace it with a plug weld. This is a common practice in body shops, actually.

Or at least that was my training, way back then.
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Old Oct 2, 2016 | 09:39 PM
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PS: Whoever does it really should take some effort to corrosion protect the back side.

Professional body shops use weld through primers and disposable "wands" for this purpose.

Because when you weld it, it will be naked steel back there.
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Old Oct 4, 2016 | 06:16 PM
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Default welding

Originally Posted by confab
PS: Whoever does it really should take some effort to corrosion protect the back side.

Professional body shops use weld through primers and disposable "wands" for this purpose.

Because when you weld it, it will be naked steel back there.
Thanks for the tips.
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