Welding a frame?

[1994Ranger$$$pit]

Is there different laws per state?
Is this a no,no matter what state.
I'm getting mixed answers on this. Makes no sense that a business in my home state would make frame repair sections for behind the rear wheels that you can't weld on,only bolt.

Any info on this would be great.
TIA

 

[doorgunner]

I'm not sure about state laws....but an 18 wheeler near here did "break in half".....good thing he was only doing about 30mph.....

Seems as though he wanted to "upgrade his cab to a sleeper".....but the welding guy just butted the extra frame together and welded it with no overlapping or braces......

The truck did really good.......for a couple weeks.....I was told by a friend that even the 10 running board supports that I welded to the frame was a NO-NO....

 

[1994Ranger$$$pit]

I did a bunch of searching on the web and it appears to be ok to do it.
But,is it wise to do it yourself or have a pro do it?
I've been doing welding for over 20 years now,on the job(machine building).

From what I understand,vertical welds are not good on a frame and support plates help a lot.With angles ends.

My issue lies back behind the rear shackles. So it's really not a big structual issue.
Just a couple small rot holes I would like to repair. Grind out till I get good steel.

 

[70roadrunner]

I don't know of any laws that prohibit welding on a frame. I do know that a lot of shops wont do it due to liability. same with the bolt on frame repair kits. angled welds and plug welds are the way to go. and stay 1/4" away from the radius at the top and bottom if possible. gussets/plates are a good idea too. im sure it will be stronger than new when you are finished

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Do a search on here, this sort of thing has come up a number of times. I don't know about state laws, but there has been some really good info posted on how to properly repair a frame.

Most frames can be welded and repaired, the only frames that cannot without specialized processes are the spring steel frames.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

http://www.therangerstation.com/forums/showthread.php?t=144556

 

[holyford86]

when looking at frames from a safety standpoint when doing an inspection I use my discretion as to what I consider a safe and quality repair. If the welds are sound and penetrate well and the reengineering looks good then i'll give it a good bill of health. If you scabbed some 20 gauge sheet metal on the side and tried to hide it with filler, undercoating, or mud, or if the weld quality is horrendous I'm not going to let it go.

 

[Ranger-rick]

Had a buddy who welded his chevy that broke in half at the center of the frame under the cab on both sides and he used bracing and didn't just butt the frame back together. It is still holding together too.

I would say as long as you make sure you have good support pieces and dont just butt weld it that you'll be fine. Just know that adding addition plates and welds into the steel will have negatives effects on the frame in the event of a crash, since it will no longer have the same bend and breaking points it did from the factory to absorb impact.

 

[Redneckryder]

Semi's are different. Advanced metallurgy comes into play there, with heat treating and such. On your ranger, it should be fine....

 

[1994Ranger$$$pit]

Thanks for all the great info,guys.

 

[a31ford]

I'll Chime in here... (Budge-in even

I have information (though for big trucks) would still apply to smaller 1/2 & 1/4 ton stuff..

If you want I can post the photo's of the sheets here if you are interested.

Greg

WTH, I'll post the info anyhow.

There you go !

G.

 

[adsm08]

I don't know about most places. I do know that in PA it is legal and allowable to repair a rust perforation in a vehicle frame by removing the rusted section and welding a bracing plate over the hole. You must however have the work done by a certified welder and are then supposed to keep the invoice with the vehicle for state safety inspection.

My shop has one customer's Jeep that we inspect every year with a welded repair. I know he doesn't keep the papers with him like he is supposed to, but we don't question it because I sent it out to be repaired and I know it was done by a certified guy at the body shop up the street.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I'll Chime in here... (Budge-in even

WTH, I'll post the info anyhow.



G.

Thanks for posting

 

[Mark_88]

I'll Chime in here... (Budge-in even

I have information (though for big trucks) would still apply to smaller 1/2 & 1/4 ton stuff..

If you want I can post the photo's of the sheets here if you are interested.

Greg

WTH, I'll post the info anyhow.

[/IMG]

There you go !

G.

Thanks for posting

This was what I remembered and was looking for...sorry Greg, didn't remember who posted this...it would be nice if we had a sticky about this because I've seen more posts on this...and with time we are going to see quite a bit more...

And, of course, proper warnings where appropriate...like NO DUCT TAPE...

 

[a31ford]

Mark, NP, and YW

Greg