I'm thinking about tack-welding the trackbar mount (RE HD) to the "framerail" if it loosens again. All I have is a 230A AC stick welder. Will this be too hot for the unibody, or can someone recommend a rod and setting to do this. I don't want to blow a hole in the sheet metal frame. The trackbar mount looks to be at least 1/8" thick.
TIA!
That was kinda my thought, too. My welder is AC only, so it burns pretty dang HOT! I've welded 1/4 plate VERY solidly and the welder's not even turned 1/2 way up.
Thanks!
I use a AC stick welder for everything (by necessity, not choice). First thing to realize is the welds are pretty much gonna look like crap because you're welding galvanized metal. But, they can hold. Try some 1/8 or 3/32 rod (I use 6011, maybe someone can comment on a better rod to use for the galvanized) and turn the welder down around 55-65 amps. This is normally where I run my Forney or my Lincoln. Seems to work ok. I'm just assuming you are a good welder....that said, you still probably won't be able to run a continuous bead without blowing through. Just try to stitch it in, stopping frequently to let it cool and clean your weld. Patience over speed. Once you get a first pass down, you can probably make a continuous pass to tie it together.
Welding sheet metal, especially with a stick welder, is something that requires a good deal of finesse and if you blow through on your unibody you can easily create a lot of problems for yourself. For that reason, my answer to a question like this is, if you've got to ask then you shouldn't do it.
That is to say, if you don't have enough experience welding sheet metal that you know how to do this without asking then you probably should find someone else to do it for you.
That is to say, if you don't have enough experience welding sheet metal that you know how to do this without asking then you probably should find someone else to do it for you.
other options instead of welding are lock nuts with nylon inserts that make them vibration resistant and or thread locker, available at most supply houses
