Welding mild steel and stainless

[DRJDVM's '69]

So my headers are mild steel and so are my mufflers.... but I want to run a full SS exhaust...... so whats the best way to weld the two sections/materials together.

I want to run V band clamps to connect the headers to exhaust and the rear of the muffler to the tail pipes....so would it be best to get the SS versions or the mild steel ones.

If I remember correctly you can weld the two materials but there are a few things you need to consider when doing it......

[GNon18s]

You can weld stainless and mild steel together, the weld process is really no different, no fancy tricks or anything.

[parsonsj]

This comes up enough, maybe we need a sticky:

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?62336-tig-welding-stainless-to-mild-steel
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?49994-welding-ss-to-mild
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?18178-stainless-to-mild
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?11415-welding-stainless-to-mild-steel

jp

[DRJDVM's '69]

Sorry John.... I probably should have done a search first :)

My other issue is that I dont have a TIG....only a MIG. My plan right now is to do all the exhaust layout, tack everything together and let a guy skilled at SS and TIG do the final welds.

So can you get 309 for a MIG?

[John Wright]

So can you get 309 for a MIG?

Yes, stick, TIG, MIG, ect....

as a side note for those who do alot of SS welding and need to clean and passivate the SS so that it doesn't oxidize back, check out this video.....(thinking of the guys who TIG SS headers and other SS bright work)

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid3344859001?bclid=3350299001&bctid=3562415001