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MIG welding frame mods?
- polkat
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- loudhvx
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The original frame welds look like gas-mig to me, which you usually have to do indoors because outside is usually too windy. If you can do gas MIG indoors, you should be fine. If you are doing gas mig outdoors, pick the calmest day you can.
Flux core will work, but will be more messy. It should be ok if you don't mind doing a lot of clean up afterwards on the welds to make them pretty.
Obviously, whatever you do, practice a bit on some scrap tubing first to make sure it's setup right for the type of connection you are doing. Then cut it apart and check the weld.
Also, should add, this is all assuming you are using the same type of tubing the frame was made of. Some have mentioned using bicycle tubing, which can be harder and thinner. For that you'd probably want tig.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
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- polkat
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- PLUMMEN
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Still recovering,some days are better than others.
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- justinz830
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1979 KZ650 B3
1979 KZ1000 ST E1
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1978 KZ1000 A2 Click--->Build Thread
2004 ZX-10R
2007 Harley Sportster 1200
2020 Harley Street Glide Special
Angola, IN
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- polkat
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Ends up looking like this....
Think I actually found this pic here on the site somewhere (sorry to the originator for using it)!
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- Old Man Rock
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1976 KZ900-A4
MTC 1075cc.
Camshafts: Kawi GPZ-1100 .375 lift
Head: P&P via Larry Cavanaugh
ZX636 suspension
MIKUNI, RS-34'S...
Kerker 4-1, 1.5" comp baffle.
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Earls 10 row Oil Cooler
Acewell 2802 Series Speedo/Tach
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Phoenix, Az
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- testarossa
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1978 KZ1000 A2 Click--->Build Thread
2004 ZX-10R
2007 Harley Sportster 1200
2020 Harley Street Glide Special
Angola, IN
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- polkat
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- loudhvx
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Yea, think I will. Looking at it, the stress will be mostly trying to compress the new rails toward their centers, rather then trying to pull the welds apart at the ends. Seems that would aid in strength. No? A last question: I know that flux core mig welding creates a lot of slag. Is there a way to cut down on this?
Yes, clean, clean and clean the metal before welding. Get a steel brush that you only use on mostly clean steel so it won't have contaminants. Also if you use sandpaper, use only fresh sandpaper or grinding wheels that haven't been used on anything else. Always finish with the steel brush so there won't be any aluminum oxide on the metal.
Also practice on similar tubing to dial in the feed and amperage really well so you can get a good weld with minimal wire useage. The more wire you use, the more blobs will be created with more slag.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- loudhvx
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Laziness ends up being messier and if you want to make it look nice, will end being more work in the long run.
Common sense, but don't rush. I always have to remind myself of that.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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