Out comes the welder

[FlyCanadianGuy]

Have 2 cracks in my frame, I will post pics of where and how big later. Seems that its not directly related to a stress point per say, more of a bad weld opening up. Anyways, curious to know where the computer is and what else I should remove before welding on the frame? Will be using a 230V Mig and will post pics before/after.

[rocmoc]

Interesting, I have never worried about the computer. I have welded on the Trooper & racecar (both have computers) and never a problem. Should I worry? If so, what precautions can you take?

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

[mouser58]

You should always disconnect the battery before welding on any motor vehicle. If you are worried about the computer, disconnect it or remove it from the car.

[Guest Lenny]

I toasted a computer on my Trooper. It worked fine but after I welded on the Trooper, some of my gauges didn't work. Borrowed a computer from my dealer and put it in, everything worked fine. The catch here is that I used my tig welder which uses a high frequency start circuit to initiate the arc. High frequency is always very dangerous around electronics. It will run on the surface of any conductor and can cover the entire vehicle looking for a point from which to jump from to anything with a potential difference. That point can be inside one of your sencers which can send it directly to the computer.

The computer is behind the drivers seat, bolted to the firewall. Once loose, slide the plug end out which lifts the plug out of it's socket. Mine is tight so I have to use a screw driver to put through the rectangular hole in order to be able to pull on hard enough to get it apart. Before this happened I always welded without concern, now I remove the computer everytime. A new computer is $1000. It's just isn't worth the chance IMHO.

Lenny

[rocmoc]

Goes to show ya, an old dog can learn new tricks.

Thanks for the info and I will put it to good use.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

[FlyCanadianGuy]

Thanks for the info, I figured thats where it was, just wanted to make sure and see if there was anything else that I should possibly disconnect before hand. Using a 230V Mig welder, not the best for welds but its what I got, so got to make due!

[FlyCanadianGuy]

Interesting, I have never worried about the computer. I have welded on the Trooper & racecar (both have computers) and never a problem. Should I worry? If so, what precautions can you take?

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

What is your race car

[Guest Lenny]

Thanks for the info, I figured thats where it was, just wanted to make sure and see if there was anything else that I should possibly disconnect before hand. Using a 230V Mig welder, not the best for welds but its what I got, so got to make due!

I do most all my welding with a MIG. They can be great for welding. Unless you have an old peice of junk your mig should be just fine.

Lenny

[rocmoc]

Current, '37 Chevy INEX Legends. So quick! The one I welded on two years ago was a SpecRacer Ford with Ford computer. I can oval or roadrace the Legends. The SpecRacer was roadrace only, had it for 10 years.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

[FlyCanadianGuy]

I do most all my welding with a MIG. They can be great for welding. Unless you have an old peice of junk your mig should be just fine.

Lenny

Im using the wire without gas, so the bead is not the best. Once I have it set up on gas it will be a different story. After alot of beers last night we got a little carried away and welded up the trooper. Never got any before pics, but will take some after shots.