Where would you go to get something welded

rammstein · 07-23-2009, 05:24 AM

I barely even want to talk about this because of the amount of anger behind it, but here goes.

The part of my seat frame on the bmw where the metal bracing for the left ass bolster meets the seat frame is broken. This is why that bolster was flaccid. Apparently, this is a weak point for early E30 seats. Until I took the seat apart, I didn't know it was a seat from an 85 (not original to the car, which is a 91). If I had known, I wouldn't have just spent $180 on new seat shocks which may or may not even be the end of that saga. I should have just bought some new sparcos or something.

Anyhow, apparently this can be welded back. I don't have a welding torch. I don't even have a garage. So this means taking it somewhere. Where does a person go to get a seat welded?

legion · 07-23-2009, 05:26 AM

Strip it down to the metal--just the part you want welded as anything else can catch on fire. Take it to an exhaust shop like a Meineke. They should have someone there that will charge by the hour for welding.

Dave L · 07-23-2009, 05:27 AM

for something like that I would post it up on craigslist and try to find an independant guy to do it. You will have to strip the seat but the welding job itself should only take a few minutes.

javadog · 07-23-2009, 05:34 AM

You realize that there are welders out there, right? I mean, people that are in the business of doing nothing but welding. Got a Yellow Pages?

How are you liking your Frankenstein E30?

JR

widebody911 · widebody911's Garage

Bring it by my shop, I'll do it

rammstein · 07-23-2009, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

You realize that there are welders out there, right? I mean, people that are in the business of doing nothing but welding. Got a Yellow Pages?

How are you liking your Frankenstein E30?

JR

I really didn't realize that! The frankenstein E30 has so far been a tragedy, as each little 20 minute project has turned into week-long fiascos.

rammstein · 07-23-2009, 05:40 AM

So I'd have to strip off all of the upholstry from the bottom? Damn, then I'd have to learn how to reupholster too? Scheisse, I hadn't even thought of that. I'm starting to think about ditching these seats.

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-23-2009, 05:41 AM

Call a welding supply company (local Google or yp.yahoo.com) and ask if they can recommend someone. they probably know someone that could use the work.

What car did you buy?

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-23-2009, 05:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rammstein

So I'd have to strip off all of the upholstry from the bottom? Damn, then I'd have to learn how to reupholster too? Scheisse, I hadn't even thought of that. I'm starting to think about ditching these seats.

anyone you bring it to will have welding blankets. You'll be fine.

javadog · 07-23-2009, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rammstein

I really didn't realize that! The frankenstein E30 has so far been a tragedy, as each little 20 minute project has turned into week-long fiascos.

You should have bought a car like mine, the highest-priced 325is in existence. Then, all you'd be doing is driving and grinning...

Taking the upholstery off of a BMW seat frame isn't the end of the world. If you don't want to screw with it, or lack the tools, find an upholstery guy and pay him a couple bucks to do it for you. While you're at it, take a look at the recline mechanism. Those go t**s up on those seats pretty often, too.

JR

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-23-2009, 06:03 AM

another option is to just get new seats. I've got very nice 2001 325 sport seats w/ heat in my 95 4Runner and was some of the best money I've spent on the truck. think I paid $450 for the pair.

rammstein · 07-23-2009, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun 84 Targa

another option is to just get new seats. I've got very nice 2001 325 sport seats w/ heat in my 95 4Runner and was some of the best money I've spent on the truck. think I paid $450 for the pair.

I know... if I had known that this wasn't going to be simple, I would have. Now, I already blew $180 on new seat shocks... I guess I could sell them for a small loss and also sell the seats to someone with the patience to deal with this. The seats LOOK great. For someone with the magical ability to start and finish a project, they'd be a good deal.

Thing is, they LOOK correct in the car, and they are really comfy.

rammstein · 07-23-2009, 06:21 AM

What about some kind of epoxy or Billy Mays super putty?

Shaun @ Tru6 · 07-23-2009, 06:23 AM

don't throw good money after bad. take the loss, get good, no excuses seats. plenty of threads on Bimmer forums on how to put newer seats in older cars. I still have to create a permanent wiring solution to my seat set, but forums were helpful in getting things set up. Also got a CD with wiring diagrams that has proven invaluable.

good luck!

legion · 07-23-2009, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rammstein

What about some kind of epoxy or Billy Mays super putty?

Have you ever seen the second American Pie movie?

Tim Hancock · 07-23-2009, 06:41 AM

If you were local, I would fix you right up. Without seeing it, I would guess that with a little creativity and a wet towel, we could fix you right up in a few minutes. I would try taking it to a muffler shop that does not look busy. Walk right up with it and ask them if they can squirt a quick weld on the broken part.

Burnin' oil · 07-23-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by widebody911

Bring it by my shop, I'll do it

I was thinking the same thing. I'd be happy to do it and, as a bonus, my welding will add 2 pounds of extra weight.

Sarc · 07-23-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rammstein

I really didn't realize that! The frankenstein E30 has so far been a tragedy, as each little 20 minute project has turned into week-long fiascos.

Well, once it's sorted, doing this from time to time should make it all worth it...

john70t · 07-23-2009, 09:44 AM

I once had the (quickly passing) thought of "Welder-in-a-can" for the DIY'er: A stream of liquid sodium is combined with a stream of water....

rammstein · 07-23-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarc

Well, once it's sorted, doing this from time to time should make it all worth it...

You do realize that is MY car, right? That's a video from the previous owner.