First of all, I've been reading this group to detirmine what I want in a MIG welder, and have narrowed it down to a Miller or Lincoln, in the
200-210 amp range. Alot of you had good advice and reccomendations - thanks.But, my question is this. I almost hate to ask it because a) most of you will probably say take welding calsses and b) it's kinda difficult to explain and for people to visualize
I have a SUV (2004 KIA Sorento) I am going to add a winch. The frame rails in the front are kinda low and are flush with the body. The metal thickness is 1/8 inch, and the box measures about 2.5x4.5 inches. This link shows a pic of the front end. The bar going across is where the frame rails are. I want the winch to be mounted above this:
These are my questions then;
- Anybody know if you can weld on modern frame rails? I know 'hardened' steel you're not suppose to weld on. I know people weld on Jeeps all of the time, but the frames on Jeeps are 3/16 inch thick.
- Would there be aproblem welding thicker material to thinner material?
- Would it be strong enough just welding the new section to the top of the frame rail? Or would it better to weld it on, then add a plate on each side of the frame to help spread the load? (remember, a winch can place a termendous load on the frame)
Or, would your advice be for me to shell out the bucks to have it done 'professionaly'? I'm buying a welder and re-learning to weld because I have so much work I need done on my vehicle, and nobody makes anything for it, and it is very expensive to have things made (800 bucks just for skid plates, for example)
I could probably post a diagram and make a link if that would help