What is the best way to weld up the front radiator support? The original welds are spot welds. Is it best to do stitch welds to reduce warpage. Say run an inch long bead then move to the other side letting the prior weld cool for a while. How much of the panel that meets up with the front frame rail actual needs to be welded?

Thanks,

John

 

I would spot weld it... again!

Its not too important that it doesnt bend.. I would do 1 side, then the other.. and get all ends tached.. then spot weld the centers out..

A little warpage should be ok!

 

The point was that I have a MIG welder not a spot welder. I plan on MIG welding and assumed that I should stitch weld it to keep the warpage to a minimum.

John

 

Drill out the existing spot welds with a 8mm spot weld bit and drill 8mm holes in the same place on the new rad. support. Make sure the two layers are flush together and plug weld them. If you need help shoot me a IM. It's a hard task for a novice but if you've got the time and welder I have the knowledge.

 

where are the welds? i have my car in pieces but i just can't find the welds.

 

yeah does anyone have a pic or a diagram of where all the spot welds are on the Rad. support?

 

theyre on both front and back, left and right seams where the rad support meets the frame(the base of the frame... you know the square prong deals), as well as a few spot welds where the holes are.

 

Some are kida hard to see but most look like a indent, once you see what one looks like you will spot them.

 

btw.. it really doesnt matter so much where you weld it, as long as you secure it.

 

ya i would have to agree as it isnt very strong metal to be stop to much flex to happen, when i replaced mine i just hit up three welds on each side. 3 inner 3 outer on each frame. it does what it is called supports the radiator and headlights. no need to replace all 20 sumthing or whatever it is. my .2

 

do yall think a mig welder will do the job? and still be strong enough like stock?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by oxSLEEPERxo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">do yall think a mig welder will do the job? and still be strong enough like stock?</TD></TR></TABLE>

arc welder should even suffice.

 

i tried to mig a couple of the holes, its not burning through like how i want it to. Any tips?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by oxSLEEPERxo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i tried to mig a couple of the holes, its not burning through like how i want it to. Any tips? </TD></TR></TABLE> need to get my car back onto the road

 

What do you mean its not turning out the way you would like ?

A mig welder is plenty strong

 

the hole fills up nicely, but the weld doesn't go through the frame

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by oxSLEEPERxo &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">the hole fills up nicely, but the weld doesn't go through the frame</TD></TR></TABLE>

Run it hotter then

 

ive got my core support off but now i kinda scared to get the new one welded on. the only reason im scared is because i plan on having my friend do it w/ a stick welder and i dont want to get it on there and realized its crooked as a bastard. so should i just have somebody from a shop come weld it up or am a being a girl? any advice? tips on how to not **** this up?

here is the car

 

Measure measure and measure some more. Get a plum bob so you know your level and what not. Tac weld, then recheck and then weld it up

 

that or put the headlights and hood on... use clamps to hold the rad support in place... get it perfect that way, especially if youre frame is messed up.