dominicbeesley
Well-Known Member
I've just discovered some alarming cracks and broken (well never stitched up) welds in my S3 chassis. Christ knows how it hasn't fallen in bits.
I'm going to have to try and patch it up this weekend before I get the new spring on that corner so a few questions:
Plate - what thickness? I need to do the bottom and inner side-wall between the front spring hanger and the front X-member. Also bottom and part of the outer side between the front x-member and the bump stop.
The actual plate between the bump stop and the front x-member looks in good nick and relatively new but the welding was hopeless! Is it a reasonable idea to grind the weld out and stitch it up? There would be about a 1/4" gap.
But weld or get my mate to bend it up on a press brake? Where there is a bit of the side needs replacing (about 1/2" from bottom) should I cut a small piece for the side and a separate one for the bottom or is it best to butt weld anyway?
This is my first "real" welding job other than kid's go-carts, benches / shelves etc so any other advice for idiots would be good. I'll have to nip out this arvo to try and find/buy/liberate some sheet steel from somewhere....I'll be using a MIG welder hopefully so should be able to make a half decent job. Looks like the last person used bits of spaghetti in a stick welder...
Dom
I'm going to have to try and patch it up this weekend before I get the new spring on that corner so a few questions:
Plate - what thickness? I need to do the bottom and inner side-wall between the front spring hanger and the front X-member. Also bottom and part of the outer side between the front x-member and the bump stop.
The actual plate between the bump stop and the front x-member looks in good nick and relatively new but the welding was hopeless! Is it a reasonable idea to grind the weld out and stitch it up? There would be about a 1/4" gap.
But weld or get my mate to bend it up on a press brake? Where there is a bit of the side needs replacing (about 1/2" from bottom) should I cut a small piece for the side and a separate one for the bottom or is it best to butt weld anyway?
This is my first "real" welding job other than kid's go-carts, benches / shelves etc so any other advice for idiots would be good. I'll have to nip out this arvo to try and find/buy/liberate some sheet steel from somewhere....I'll be using a MIG welder hopefully so should be able to make a half decent job. Looks like the last person used bits of spaghetti in a stick welder...
Dom