Alloy repairs?

[TedDanson]

Two aluminium sections of the soft-top frame on my convertible have snapped (clean breaks) now a mate has told me tonight that they can both be welded easily but are alloy weld repairs strong?
The two sections that have snapped do help support the weight of the top so i'm thinking a repair may not do.
Anybody have any advice on alloy repair?

 

[snowcat]

if its proper aluminium then the repair will be as strong as the original, unfortuantly many car parts are cast alloys which are "nasty".

 

[TedDanson]

Thanks for the info - if it's cast alloy then do you think it would it be a waste of time trying to get it welded?It doesn't matter if it looks rough after as it's completely covered by the canvas but my main concern is the strength of the weld.

 

[aametalmaster]

I would try to weld it first or have it done, i have fixed a lot of busted alum parts...Bob

 

[snowcat]

Its really suck and see, Its worth a go, Its supriseing what I have managed to weld over the years.. If you not an experanced welder tho and its a tig job really, then Id get a local shop to do it shouldnt be more than about an hours work.

 

[TedDanson]

Cheers guys - i'm going to remove the two parts today and find somewhere local to do it - of all the parts on the hood they're part of the main structure so carry some of the "load" when the top goes up and down so they've got to be done right.

 

[Lippyp]

I've had cast aluminium/alloy inlet manifolds welded before and recently had someone tig weld up a crack in an A/C pipe successfully so its worth a go. If not dpending on the shape would it be possible to sleeve it for added strength?

 

[TedDanson]

I've had cast aluminium/alloy inlet manifolds welded before and recently had someone tig weld up a crack in an A/C pipe successfully so its worth a go. If not dpending on the shape would it be possible to sleeve it for added strength?

Spoke to a welder who runs a business local to me this afternoon and although he hasn't seen the parts yet he seems to think they could be repaired quite easily.Have to drop them off tuesday - gives me the weekend to dismantle the frame.
Anyone hazard a guess at how much i should be paying?

 

[TedDanson]

Well, picked the two alloy sections up today and although i haven't fitted them i have to say i'm well pleased.
Unfortunately i didn't take any "before" pics but they've managed to weld the sections back together and to be honest i think they look really good.
I'll give them a clean and a lick of satin black and refit them tomorrow.
Happy days again!