LIGHT duty fabrication - soldering question

[Slim]

I might have a project or two in the future that involve fabricating some thin, sheet metal mounts on existing Ranger interior body panels. I am familiar that numerous fabricators have/use oxy-acetylene and brazzing or MIG or TIG for their needs, but I don't have that kind of "firepower".

Sooooooo ..... what about solder? But I mean the good quality stuff, silver solder, not the cheap stuff.

The mounts I wish to make would be light duty, so not subject to much pressure. They would be inside the truck, so very little exposure to the elements. I am thinking this method would mean less damage to the truck itself. Also, I might want to make some kind of speaker re-enforcements and wire guides and the likes.

Any input?

Thanks!

 

[martin]

Silver would still require the steel to be heated to at least red. you could use ordinary plumbing solder as long as you tin both sides first and then just heat the parts in place for the final attachment. personally, I would use pop rivets or make the brackets and get someone who welds to just burn them on for you. If the attachment is going onto the outer part of the body any of the above methods will cause damage, consider a larger mounting area and use a good quality epoxy adhesive.

 

[cocoasranger]

I bought a Mapp gas outfit by Bernzomatic at Lowes for under $30.00. They burn much hotter than propane and are fine for small to medium silver soldering jobs. I have an oxy-acetylene torch and usually reach for the Mapp gas unless the part is bulky or has to be fusion welded. I would guess Home Depot and others would also carry this item.

 

[cr_the_machinist]

I've gotten away with brazing with a can of map gas and your everyday pumpers remote torch. It takes longer to do compaired to oxy and it looks a little messy but theres nothing a grinder cant clean up. I've done that quite a bit cause its a pain to haul and outfit back and forth. A very light duty setup like I stated works well for light sheet metal. Plus you'll have a stronger joint overall if you braze it up.

 

[Slim]

Great points and tips everyone, it's appreciated.

One more question, since it's been mentioned - would a propane torch get thin sheet metal, like what's found on our Rangers, hot enough to fusion weld?

Honestly, the "biggest" project I forsee in the future would be to use this to solder a re-enforcing mounting plate to the inner door panel to fit a 6x9 in the door. It would be a thin, adaptor plate type of idea. (still need to see what it looks like under the cover, but I think this is easily possible) I believe silver solder would be all that's required for this minor job.

Any input? (really trying to stick with propane this year as a house purchase is imminent and I really need to keep the welding kit purchase away until next year)

Thanks everyone!