Updated pics of CJ5 frame restoration

I've posted a little more progress in my frame restoration.. starts at post #20...

http://jeep-forums.4wd.com/showthread.php?t=36592

 

lots of good fab work. I have no idea how bad my frame is just yet...hope I don't need a new one!

 

Holy S*$%.... That is amazing work.

 

Like the guy said. "your not a fabricator-- your an artist" sheer beauty..

 

Very impressive!

Are those all TIG, or a combo or TIG and MIG?

I would have built one out of 2x4x1/8 personally, but thats just me

 

It's a combo of both MIG and TIG.

A 2"x4"x1/8" thick frame would not be nearly as strong as a healthy factory ('76 and up) frame.

 

That is amazing work. Just thinking out loud, but now that you've done all that work to repair the frame, have you considered galvanizing to protect the inside? I'm thinking it would do better than linseed oil.

 

MAD SKILLS!

Sweet work!

 

You know, I have anguished over that one for a while. The pros of that probably outweigh the cons, but the upside to using Chassis Black, is that if I ever want to add-on/modify/ weld onto the frame, in the future I won't be dealing with galvanizing.

My jeep is a fair weather, fun/cruising vehicle, that won't be exposed to harsh conditions, so hopefully the boiled linseed oil will do the trick.

My neighbor is a gunsmith. Boiled linseed oil has been the choice of gunsmiths for years ( on wood, and metal).

 

your work is AMAZING!

where did you learn to weld like that... or do you do it professionally?

i hope to be able to make welds that look like their ugly cousin... at best!

would you be open to sharing advice/tips?

i'm gonna have to do some work to my frame as well and yours looks like a supreme sample of craftsmanship and know-how...

 

I learned to weld like that from working at Electric Boat, a submarine building shipyard, for many years. Over the years, I was taught many different welding techniques and procedures.

I also was a welding instructor there, as well as at a local community college. Now, I'm a self employed metal fabricator.

Maybe this will help you out...

http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=62250

If you want to know something that's not covered there, just ask! I'll try to help any way that I can.

The biggest piece of advice I could give anyone is to PRACTICE!! No one wants to practice. Everyone wants to learn on the job. That can be a big mistake, in critical applications.

Rich

 

Nice work 8). Hopefully I'll be picking up a tig machine soon so I can get some more practice in.

 

cool...

i know electric boat... i was a squid for 5 years... airdale though...

wow... i know i said it already... but wow... simply amazing...

practice? heck yeah i waana practice! thats all i do! i wont touch the beast til i think im ready... shes waited this long, whats a little more?

now im cutting holes into sheet metal and welding them back into place... and fiddling with voltages and wire speed etc... getting my gas tomorrow... i think that will help some too...

thanks for the link Rich... when i burn a good one... i'll send YOU the pic!

 

BTW... what exactly is a buzz box?

im a noob!

please dont stone me!!!

 

I gotta tell you TB, I admire your enthusiasm! Sounds like you're on the right track, with your practicing. it's important to understand what's going on, when you're welding, not just getting a good bead, by luck, and not really "getting it".

If I can help you in any way, please feel free to ask!

Rich

 

A buzz box is a plug-in stick welding machine. There are ones with just AC output, or better one$ with AC/DC output. You need one with DC output to do TIG welding.

 

like a plug in plain ol arc welder... ? :?

yeah Rich, i actually LIKE to practice... im gonna build a table this weekend i think and maybe a cart soon... welding on the ground isnt the most comfortable place...

i DID weld my mechanics seat together yesterday... cuz the wheels wouldnt stay on it... and its thin... so i wanted to try it on something like that...

i built a piece of gate too for the fence around my shop...

i think so far, my biggest need is getting my travelling speed right... sometimes they look real good... and sometimes they look like something youd find in the bottom of a cat box...

Thanks again Rich... im sure i'll be sending you lots of questions and some pix from time to time

 

OMG!! those are awsome welds. Im gonna need some more practice. Very nice looking work there, you are inspiring.

 

What brand of MIG welder do you have? What diameter wire are you using?

Consistency of your travel speed is very important for getting a uniform weld bead. Always hold the MIG gun with two hands. It kills me when I see these guys holding the gun with one hand, welding away. That would be like shooting pool with one hand on the cue stick.

Also, whenever possible, push the mig gun, as opposed to pulling it. The bead will penetrate better, and the shielding gas will always be clearing a path ahead of where you're welding.

Have fun!

Rich