Jump to content


Photo
- - - - -

Welding arch to floor crack..


  • Please log in to reply
2 replies to this topic

#1 Pavel

Pavel

    Up Into Fourth

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 2,451 posts

Posted 02 February 2005 - 11:56 AM

I have a crack few mm wide and about 6mm long between the front arch and the floor, since when the arses jacked up the car when stealing my wheels the floor went up and cracked there. I cleaned up the area yesterday and it's definitely not due to rust...

Could one simply weld along the crack to close it? Or should I cut out that part of car out of another of my minis where its in good condition and simply patch over it?

I don't care how it looks, MOT will be passed almost certainly either way, and I need this car to survive no more than another 2 years so I'm not spending on rewelding the lfoors and sills unless they fall off. I just want to add some strength to that area, that's all...

#2 dklawson

dklawson

    Moved Into The Garage

  • TMF+ Member
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 10,923 posts
  • Name: Doug
  • Location: Durham, NC - USA
  • Local Club: none

Posted 02 February 2005 - 09:43 PM

I've heard of this failure on cars over here but not seen it or dealt with it. I remember that the method of fixing it is to fit a thicker piece of sheet metal over the crack from the far side and weld it in place. Afterward the crack can be welded up (from the inside). The thicker plate on the outside stiffens the area so the welded crack won't re-open.

Welds can be brittle compared to the parent metal so its a good idea to reinforce such damage with a second, intact piece of metal with the structural welds further away from the crack affected area.

#3 Woody

Woody

    Ring Runner 2005

  • Members
  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • 1,763 posts

Posted 03 February 2005 - 07:23 AM

Well said :grin: , nothing to add




1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users