Welding Question???

[naxel86]

Ok, so Im thinking that I want to make a roof rack for my X, but I was planning on making it piece by piece. I want to put the pieces on and tack weld them in place, then take them off and finish the weld. Is it safe without frying the computer to weld something on your explorer? What do I have to do when I weld? Like unhook the battery? Anything else? Thanks!

 

[JDraper]

You should unhook the battery when welding to be safe. Other than that, just keep your ground near where you are welding.

 

[naxel86]

ok, so it won't fry the computer or anything?

 

[JDraper]

Shouldn't...I've welded on many vehicles without frying a computer yet.

 

[robertstevenbk]

I would say you should unhook the battery of when welding to be safe tig welder

 

[BKennedy]

I made a roof rack in the manner you are describing without any issues. I used one of those Harbor Freight cheapo welding blankets to protect the paint. Tacked it all up, removed it, finish welded and cleaned up, then painted. Came out great. I used 3/4" conduit for the main frame and 1/2" for cross bars. Its strong enough to stand on and not very heavy.
The rack build starts on page 50 of my build thread, post 995

Bkennedy's SAS and Rebuild Thread

As some of you know, I am working on building a parts list for a shortened Dana 44, long radius arm with coil overs SAS. 5:13 gears to match my rear axle and an ARB, maybe an electric locker. I have a pretty good list so far. At the same time, I am going to swap out the rear drum brakes for...

www.explorerforum.com

 

[Mbrooks420]

Just a note to be extremely cautious welding conduit that isn’t aluminum or stainless. (Most isnt) it’s extremely hazardous to breathe the fumes, though it can be done safety.

 

[BKennedy]

I ground all the galvanizing off the weld area. Prior to painting, you can sand it by hand or etch the surface by wiping it down with white vinegar to help the paint stick.

 

[Mbrooks420]

I ground all the galvanizing off the weld area. Prior to painting, you can sand it by hand or etch the surface by wiping it down with white vinegar to help the paint stick.

Absolutely. I assumed you treated it before, but didn’t want someone getting the idea they could just grab the harbor freight welder and get to burning some pipe.