Welding

[Ranger2000x]

I want fix my huge EVAP leak on my 2000 Ford Ranger 4.0l xlt. But I have to buy new Cross-Member Sills 2 or 3 where the tank is. Be getting gasless welding tool but need to know what size wire I need. First time welding but parts are only tac welded don't want spend $800-850 at mechanic or $400 at fabrication if have too. Thanks.

 

[Blmpkn]

The cross members your referring to are the bed supports correct?

.030 wire would probably work pretty decent, just watch your heat. Flux core and sheet metal work aren't always the best of friends

 

[Ranger2000x]

The cross members your referring to are the bed supports correct?

.030 wire would probably work pretty decent, just watch your heat. Flux core and sheet metal work aren't always the best of friends

Yes too bed support. Thanks looking forward to it.

 

[Roert42]

I wouldn't go any thicker then .030 with flux core on auto body. bed supports are not super thin so it shouldn't be too bad.

 

[Shran]

.030 wire will work fine. I would not use anything bigger than that for sheet metal.

If this is your first time welding, I would advise you to find someone who knows how to weld that can show you how to do it. Nothing will be more frustrating than burning holes through stuff or not getting enough penetration and the part breaking again from fatigue. You could use alternatives like rivets or bolts and those would be cheaper and easier than buying a welder. Just some other options to consider.

 

[Ranger2000x]

.030 wire will work fine. I would not use anything bigger than that for sheet metal.

If this is your first time welding, I would advise you to find someone who knows how to weld that can show you how to do it. Nothing will be more frustrating than burning holes through stuff or not getting enough penetration and the part breaking again from fatigue. You could use alternatives like rivets or bolts and those would be cheaper and easier than buying a welder. Just some other options to consider.

Yup bolts are easy to do lol use rounded top bolts. What size drill bit to use if I'm using bolts. But I work at party rentals and some hand carts/truck are broken that I could test welding...

 

[Milkman5687]

I'm not trying to sound like a snob or you can't do it/ telling you not to weld it but just know what welding machine settings are before you proceed. Good welds and bad welds all make the same bright light...

 

[Ranger2000x]

I'm not trying to sound like a snob or you can't do it/ telling you not to weld it but just know what welding machine settings are before you proceed. Good welds and bad welds all make the same bright light...

Nah it's all good I'm a going to use bolts with lock nuts on bed. But I'll still get welding machine and start small and work on way to big stuff till I get the hang of it. If I don't like it I'll take a class or watch someone.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Nah it's all good I'm a going to use bolts with lock nuts on bed. But I'll still get welding machine and start small and work on way to big stuff till I get the hang of it. If I don't like it I'll take a class or watch someone.

Taking a class at night will make the learning curve so much shorter. I highly reccomend it.

 

[4x4prepper]

> some hand carts/truck are broken that I could test welding...

Bad choice, they are usually made from the cheapest thinnest stuff possible, the only things probably worse are old people walkers paid for by medicare.

Get some free metal bed frames off Craigslist, not only are they good for testing with .030 flux core, you can make useful stuff from the metal for your truck. Note that they are usually made from spring steel, so, you can not readily cut them with a cheap sawzall blade.

You could make flip down steps for your tail gate, 5 gallon gas tank holders, a ghetto fab bed topper with flip out sides, there are lots of things you can make with bed frame metal.

Do not weld on parts just cleaned with brake clean and wear eye and ear protection. I can tell you from experience, a welding spark in the ear really hurts.

 

[Blmpkn]

Yeah definitely be mindful of welding on chemical residue..

Brake clean fumes will kill you.

It's probably best to wear a respirator when welding honestly.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

FYI: Non- chlorinated brake clean does not make the gas that kills you. But be careful regardless.
The chlorinated brakleen is much better at cleaning but will make the same gas as used in the first world war if subjected to intense heat (mustard gas).

what gas is formed when welding around brakleen? at DuckDuckGo

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