patching frame

[thistle3585]

I have a couple rust holes in the sidewall of my frame. The typical spots toward the rear. I'm new to welding/fabricating but want to tackle this project. Am I better off cutting out the rusted areas and welding in a patch that will be flush with the frame sidewall or is it better to do a patch on the outside of the frame that extends beyond the rusted area? Trying to avoid that "patched" look if avoidable.

 

[Hedgehog]

If you are not an accomplished welder, you should have a professional do it. A frame experiences a bunch of different forces and needs to be handled carefully.

 

[Posi]

It would depend on the size of holes, and thickness of the surrounding area.
If it were me, with good metal, I'd butt weld.
Remember to use 3/16" on the outside and 1/8" on the inside to match frame thickness. Remove the fuel tank!
Same goes for patching if you go that route.
Take a day to practice and watch videos, you should do fine.

 

[tarry99]

I have a couple rust holes in the sidewall of my frame. The typical spots toward the rear. I'm new to welding/fabricating but want to tackle this project. Am I better off cutting out the rusted areas and welding in a patch that will be flush with the frame sidewall or is it better to do a patch on the outside of the frame that extends beyond the rusted area? Trying to avoid that "patched" look if avoidable.

A picture of what your going to patch would be great......then the correct fix can be better explained..........

If your new and want to learn.......buy a bunch of scrap metal of various thickness's and start welding them back together. Practice, Practice , Practice.

Frames are somewhat tricky to weld...........first there dirty and must be perfectly clean around the weld zone........use a 100 grit disc on a 4 in grinder and clean up the area.........weld will never stick to rust......so those area's need to be cut away......or in some case's a patch over the top may be in order........if you don't want the patch look.......then some fabricating of new metal can be done and grafted into the damaged area's........hence the reason for a few pictures.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Take a 12oz ball-peen hammer(use'n the round end) and start smack'n the entire frame. Bet you'll find more spots to fix.
You'll know when you hit a 'soft-spot'. It won't 'ring' like the other spots do.
LG