Welding Questions

[Hence]

My clutch tube finally broke, now it need to be rewelded.

I want to try to fix it myself. I have looked into the various welding methods, and it seems like MIG welding is the way to go.

It seems like a gasless, flux core MIG welder is the easiest to use, but I have read that it should not really be used on anything thinner than 18 guage metal. Does anyone think that I can use flux core MIG welding on the 914 firewall and center tunnel area if I turn it down to 60 amps? Does anyone know what gauge metal is on the 914 firewall?

I would buy a MIG unit that can use both gas and flux core, but it is a lot more expensive, and is not worth the investment for the small amount of welding I will be doing. Gasless MIG units are actually priced quite reasonably these days. Actually, as our 914s get older and older, a welder is going to become necessary equipment!

Any thoughts? Thanks!

(Oops, some of this is covered in Mike Cooley's and John Dunkle's excellent tech article on welding on this very site. But, it still seems that gasless should not be used on less than 18 gauge sheet metal, at least that is what the books say, and the 914 metal seems awfully thin. So, any comments would still be appreciated!).

[This message has been edited by Brian Kumamoto (edited 05-26-99).]

[Doug M]

I have welded all over a couple of 914 with a flux core mig. I used the smaller wire and after burning a few holes you learn . Its kind of like a spot weld technique.You have to let each spot cool before welding a large area.It works fine and the machine I bought was $140 from harborfreight.com and plugs in to 110ac.

[LHAYES]

Brian - I'd give consideration to a unit that could be converted to use gas later on if you find you need it. I have a Century that works well either way...I started out using flux core but soon found that I needed gas also so all I had to buy was a gas bottle.
I think Lincoln sells a base unit that can be converted to use sheilding gas as well as flux core. Good luck

[rich]

If i'm understanding your question correctly, Your replacing the metel tubing inside the tunnel the clutch cable slides through. If you look closely you'll see that the tube is welded to the fire wall with silicon bronze. This is done for(as I see it)one reason. Low heat,quick results. You really don't need a tig welder to achive the same results, just a very small tipped (00 or smaller)oxy/ accetalene torch, flux coated brazing rod, and good prep work. Steel tubing used as cable guides,fuel line,or brake line is soft, so it can be formed. This kind of tube can't take prolonged heating. The heating and cooling process causes embrittlement and oxidation. Spot welding with a mig may be done. If you can figure out how to get the heat set low enough to tack the tube to the firewall, the pennetration from the wire may cause a bump on the inside of the tube. This would cause an obstruction. So I reccomend using a torch. I'm pretty sure the firewall is 20ga. mild steel. One more thing,If you buy a good quality welder that uses gas you won't regret it. Good luck

[Tim Polzin]

Brian, did you get any POR-15 on your hands? The warning on the top of the can should be heeded, you ask why I know?