nidge Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 Hit a bit of a road block with my current project , chassis needs more work than I first thought.... Can't get my head around whether to repair or replace with a New Galv one. At what point to you decide that its not worth the cost of patching/repairing, as it needs the cross member done all the way to the rear spring hangers ...I have been quote 400-500 for the welding, if I provide the cross member and do the prep work ..but thats half way to the cost of a new chassis. A few pics, both chassis rails would need similar amount of welding as below Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejparrott Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 As you say, half way to the cost of a new galv chassis, and base on that level of corrosion that you've found and can see, I'd go Galv. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 As above ^^^ it'll only get worse, so do the change sooner rather than later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverik Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I spent a good few weeks re building a rear quarter chassis with 2.5mm plate, it made sense too me for a couple of reasons, I could weld myself so no Labour cost and the rest of the chassis still had sone years in it, so didn't want the extra outlay in cost or time to replace it. But I'd never pay anyone to weld for me, it's so labor intense it costs a fortune. If you've got time and the inclination to keep the truck for a few years, then you won't ever regret getting a galvy chassis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frax Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 As said above, if you are planning to keep the car galvy it and it will last, plating it will only last for a short while. It will also rust from the inside out so there is a lot you wont see till it holes through, if you galvy it will also make it a lot more valuable when you do decide to sell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bushwhacker Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Hi there. I have an 1986 110 csw with numerous patches and out riggers replaced. The best thing would be a chassis swop but do price it up I could be wrong but it could go over 3500. I do offroading at least once a month and it would break my heart to subject a new galvanised chassis to offroading. What I can see from your pics its all to familier. What about taking up mig welding? Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketomcat Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I welded mine up but only because I did it and I can't afford a galv chassis at the moment but a new chassis is on the list for the future. So if it's a keeper and you can afford it do a chassis. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nidge Posted February 9, 2016 Author Share Posted February 9, 2016 Many Thanks for all the comments.....seams like a new chassis is the only way to go, no point putting money into welding it as it only delays the inevitable ....can't afford a replacement chassis at the moment so will have to save the pennies or move it on as a project . And there I was thinking I'd have it on the road by the end of the month... Nigel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketomcat Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 To be fair if you can't afford a chassis then get it welded and use it for a few more years whilst saving for a chassis. At least that way you get to enjoy it. Mike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frax Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Find a freind or mate of a mate to weld it for now, ask about lots of people weld even though not for work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tetsu0san Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Buy a second hand welder and weld it yourself. You'll have a lot more fun and you'll learn to appreciate what you have even more. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelw Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Mmmmmmm yummy welding job! 3mm plate an 8x4 sheet and a mate with a welder I will post a link I did for kicks with a 300Tdi D1 Post up asking for help in the international forum, maybe you can make a new spannering friend? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelw Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 http://forum.lro.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=92631 There, that should entertain. If I were local then it'd be a fun little thing to weld up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverik Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 Chassis welding is usually pretty easy (nice simple sections using thick plate) compared to what Nige posted in that link above, that takes a little more thought... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 Yup ^ 2.5mm would be plenty thick enough as well. If you do go for a welder, look on http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/ for really good advice. You could even spent the £400 on a reasonable welder and then you have added a welder to your toolkit.... for whenever you need it. MIG isn't hard, follow that forum for advice, or ask on here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nidge Posted February 12, 2016 Author Share Posted February 12, 2016 Hmmm....never considered the idea of welding it myself I have no welding experience so would be a first....I am fairly handy tho and can make a decent fist of most things as I am a cabinetmaker by trade.... sure if I make a bags of it I could always replace the chassis. Many Thanks for all the advice and encouragement...very helpful. Now to go research Mig welders !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffR Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 Can recommend learning to weld - spent way too many hours welding the family Disco back together, as for buying a mig, do not buy a Sip ( bought one a while ago and it was useless, poor quality, chinese made junk) have a look at the Eastwood Mig 175, bought one a few year back and it does what it says on the box. Probably wouldn't cope with heavy usage , but it's affordable and comes with lots of useful bits. http://www.frost.co.uk/eastwood-175-mig-welder-with-spool-gun.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddy Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 There's a welder in the forsale section at the moment. A good way to get into it. Being able to weld is a very useful thing, if you really cannot afford to buy a new chassis then yes weld yours up however I would spend the next 12 months doing everything possible to afford a chassis swap as soon as you can, I have spent quite a few days probably even weeks welding my 90 chassis over the last four years, more due to off road damage than rot but I always think it would be easier to have a new purpose made chassis in the first place but I just can't bring myself to spend the cash when what I have works, maybe one day. Get a decent s/h welder an auto darkening mask and a rent free bottle, if you have a local scrapyard that has new steel off cuts buy 20kg or so of plate and box and spend some evenings setting yourself on fire, it really is great fun! Some leather gauntlets and a smock are useful items as are draper welding pliers. Will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted February 12, 2016 Share Posted February 12, 2016 That Eastwood one looks very good value! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aragorn Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 I bought a barely used 150A Clarke 160TE from ebay for about half the new price and its served me well. I also got myself a "Hobbyweld" gas bottle from the local supplier and a regulator from weldequip on the migwelding forum. Makes a massive difference over the rubbish disposable canisters. Its a bit more up front but the bottle holds much more gas and is much better value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaklander Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 I use a black co2 bottle from a pub. Had it ages as I weld infrequently. I've always wondered if I'd be better with 'proper' gas but I continue with the co2 in the (mistaken?) belief that it's there to act as a shield - so it will be fine. I think my welds look ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 Argon CO2 mix gives me a better, cleaner weld in my experience, especially on bigger stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeffR Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 That Eastwood one looks very good value! It's a really nice little welder, once you get round buying shrouds (Tweco type from mig uk) - the Eastwood ones are extortion with violence! Takes 5kg spools as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nigelw Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 It's a really nice little welder, once you get round buying shrouds (Tweco type from mig uk) - the Eastwood ones are extortion with violence! Takes 5kg spools as wellAlso keep a 1kg small spool tucked away for that time your big one runs out by surprise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aragorn Posted February 14, 2016 Share Posted February 14, 2016 CO2 does work, but argosheild or equivalent tends to work better: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/welding-gas.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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