The Definitive Frame Welding Thread

[Timeless]

I agree it can be done. All of the welds were done pre-paint/finish though. I was hoping some folks that have done it would chime in and offer advice based off of their experiences.

I'm worried about welding the aluminum. I do want to know about the frame material so I can ensure the correct filler rod is used.

The coating on the inside has me concerned only because it will contaminate my welds. If there were a way to strip it, problem solved.

I'm starting to think building a tube frame from scratch will be easier =(

 

[Bairframe]

I'm starting to think building a tube frame from scratch will be easier =(

Yup

 

[Timeless]

Cheers Bairframe. I have the design in the works. I'm just pondering where to put the fuel tank.

 

[CoastieRider]

By far the best video i have seen about TIG Welding, Can't wait to try it out at work.
TIG Welding Basics

 

[user_deleted]

Here's where the tricky stuff comes in... Heat treating and tempering is most critical when a frame of any sort is made. You could assume that it is 6061-T6 but once you weld it the area around your weld has been returned to the "O" or annealed state and therefore has lost structural integrity. This is not something visible to the eye and has to be tested as to what temper it is. In order to properly temper the frame after welding the ENTIRE frame has to be annealed and then brought up to the correct temper. This can be at temperatures up to 985 degrees fahrenheit (not equipment most people have laying around). This is unless of course the whole frame is already in the annealed state from the factory then the heat area wont change the temper that much but that is highly unlikely since annealed aluminum is very soft and not usually suitable for anything structural as a frame. This presents a problem which is the next concern...

CHRYSLER!!!!!!!!!!! i've never read anything so over my head in my entire life. LOL