1967 camaro build -ride tech rear, DSE subframe

[Bullrider]

Hello,

My son and I have a shell of a ‘67 camaro in great shape and are installing the rear cradle for the ride-tech 4 link suspension. The cradle bolted in great and now we want to weld it in a few places to give it added strength. The powertrain will be an LS3/6 speed with about 450hp.
We are having trouble welding it with our 140 amp mig-the cradle has thick 1/4” steel and the camaro’s standard frame is very thin. We have burned through the camaro frame in a few places and some of the welding must be done upside down.
Any advice on wire speed and amp settings to weld this in? With the two items having different wall thicknesses, it is tricky! I know some don’t weld this in but I would feel more comfortable with a few weld points. Thanks.
Chris.

[btmatt]

140 amp machine might be a little light. Try preheating the thicker steel and when welding start your arc on the thicker stuff. When working working the torch, again focus the heat on the thicker steel and move to the thinner just long enough to create a puddle and join the parts. As an alternative, you may stack and weld thinner steel to the frame rail to prevent the blow outs.

I had the same issues when welding my g-link cradle to the stock frame rails...

[Bullrider]

Thanks. Will give it a try. I think pre-heating the thicker steel will make a huge difference.

[langleylad]

You may want to invest in a larger mig welder . In my build , I found that my mig is an invaluable tool. A must have in any kind of build. Good luck in your build.

[TANKMASTERJ]

You may want to invest in a larger mig welder . In my build , I found that my mig is an invaluable tool. A must have in any kind of build. Good luck in your build.

Couple Things. Are you using 75/25 gas. Second and 023 wire?
Welding with mig in general you can use flux core wire and not use gas but gas us always better. Even when using flux core. Also clean is king when mig welding. Buff the new a d old steel.
Practice on some thin gauge sheet metal on the shop table not your frame rails.

[Bullrider]

Yes, using gas, not coated wire. I will check wire-might be 30 thousandths. I have a friend who is a professional welder stopping buy tonight to look it over.