Ducati Monster Forum

Local Clubs => DFWM => Topic started by: never2loud on November 03, 2008, 10:29:29 AM

Title: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: never2loud on November 03, 2008, 10:29:29 AM

I had the stock exhaust can on my 999 monoposto off for painting last weekend (went with matte black ceramic header paint  :D ).  Of course the entire back half of the bike had to come off  [roll]   

Nothing like a "simple" mod that turns into a weekend of work...

When I was cleaning all the pieces, I noticed a stress crack in the ALUMINUM sub-frame - hairline, but definitely a problem - so I was wondering if anyone had any experience with people locally who might be able to weld this up; I think it could just use a bead weld to reinforce the area.

Thanks in advance  [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

Lisa

P.S.  New subframes are in the 500 dollar range so repairing this one is the way I'd like to go first.
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: muskrat on November 03, 2008, 10:30:54 AM
Quote from: Cher on November 03, 2008, 10:29:29 AM
I had the stock exhaust can on my 999 monoposto off for painting last weekend (went with matte black ceramic header paint  :D ).  Of course the entire back half of the bike had to come off to do this  [roll]   Nothing like a "simple" mod that turns into a weekend of work...

When I was cleaning all the pieces, I noticed a stress crack in the ALUMINUM sub-frame - hairline, but definitely a problem - so I was wondering if anyone had any experience with people locally who might be able to weld this up; I think it could just use a bead weld to reinforce the area.

Thanks in advance  [thumbsup] [thumbsup]

check with Metric Tech in McKinney and ask Dean, the owner. 
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: RichD on November 03, 2008, 01:21:42 PM
I've welded a 999/749 mono subframe before.

PM me if you need help.
(Will work for beer!)
(I think a 6-pack sounds reasonable  [thumbsup]  [drink]  ;D )
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: Ronr on November 03, 2008, 06:32:11 PM
I've used a welder in Grand Prairie that does a lot of aerospace work.  They welded a whole new subframe on one of my Kawi's after the original was destroyed (I cut the replacement off another frame).
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: RichD on November 03, 2008, 06:38:56 PM
It looks like Lisa is going to try to drop off her subframe at the brewery lunchtime tomorrow.
I'll have a look-see and hopefully get it turned around ASAP for her!  [thumbsup]

(http://www.emofaces.com/en/smilies/w/welding-smile.gif)
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: never2loud on November 03, 2008, 06:51:35 PM
Quote from: SUPER DUKE! on November 03, 2008, 06:38:56 PM
It looks like Lisa is going to try to drop off her subframe at the brewery lunchtime tomorrow.
I'll have a look-see and hopefully get it turned around ASAP for her!  [thumbsup]

(http://www.emofaces.com/en/smilies/w/welding-smile.gif)

Dang it Rich, you beat me to it!  I was going to have an "in progress" series of pix of the subframe dismantle-ment  [laugh]  And then some before and after of the crack and repair.

You are SO cool for doing this - case of beer AND dinner on me!  Thanks Rich  [thumbsup] 
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: RichD on November 03, 2008, 07:17:02 PM
Quote from: Cher on November 03, 2008, 06:51:35 PM
Dang it ...I was going to have an "in progress" series of pix of the subframe dismantle-ment  [laugh]  And then some before and after of the crack and repair...

[thumbsup]  That would be cool.
I've worked on a subframe before, but I don't know what is involved with removing/installing one.
(Hell I don't even know how to adjust the "adjustable seat" on one of them fangled Terblanche models)
If you've got pic's post 'em up!
It would be good tech-info-stuff.

[popcorn]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: never2loud on November 03, 2008, 07:19:12 PM


Haha, looks like it'll be a two cup of coffee kind of morninig - WOO HOO  :o
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: never2loud on November 04, 2008, 02:19:47 PM
Well, here's the problem on the aluminum subframe:

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/P1030494.jpg)

If you look closely at the subframe - just under the yellow bodywork where the paint run is (WTF?!?) - you can see a very small mark I made with a black felt tip pen perpendicular to the "end" of the stress crack.


Once the rear cowl and seat are removed, you can see the crack as it goes straight across the subframe (just in front of the mounting tab for the exhaust can):

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/P1030503.jpg)


This a "detail" picture of the cracked subframe off the bike:

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/P1030517.jpg)


So now it's in the capable hands of RichD - who rocks, BTW  [thumbsup]  Thanks SOOOOOOOO much for working your engineering super-powers on this!


Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: Duc L'Smart on November 04, 2008, 02:25:13 PM
 :o

Glad you noticed that!

Keep us posted [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: RichD on November 05, 2008, 06:14:22 AM
Well, I zapped it back together -went well, about 5 minutes of work and it should be much stronger now.
Now the problem:  I rode the wrong bike to work (forgetting the subframe was with the yellow bike)...
So meeting up at lunchtime won't work.

DOH!

Sorry lisa.   :-[

I have an apointment at AMS this afternoon... but I could maybe run it by your place around dinner time tonight?  I'll give you a call around 9:00am...

I apologize again. 
-Rich D.
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: MurDuc on November 05, 2008, 08:39:51 AM
 8) And Rich D. once again solidifies his reputation as a dog among men.
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: never2loud on November 05, 2008, 11:37:19 AM
Quote from: Ugly F**ker on November 05, 2008, 06:14:22 AM
Well, I zapped it back together -went well, about 5 minutes of work and it should be much stronger now.
Now the problem:  I rode the wrong bike to work (forgetting the subframe was with the yellow bike)...
So meeting up at lunchtime won't work.

DOH!

Sorry lisa.   :-[

I have an apointment at AMS this afternoon... but I could maybe run it by your place around dinner time tonight?  I'll give you a call around 9:00am...

I apologize again. 
-Rich D.


No need to apologize  :o  Come on over  [beer]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: pipeliner1978 on November 05, 2008, 12:44:50 PM
Quote from: Ugly F**ker on November 05, 2008, 06:14:22 AM


I have an apointment at AMS this afternoon...
Slag I will be there at 4:00ish
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: dallas2r on November 05, 2008, 01:56:53 PM
Lisa, what do you say to a mod party?   [laugh] ;D

(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g240/happywafflemonkey/999custom-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: never2loud on November 05, 2008, 03:01:49 PM
Quote from: dallas2r on November 05, 2008, 01:56:53 PM
Lisa, what do you say to a mod party? 

(http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g240/happywafflemonkey/999custom-1.jpg)


THAT'S what I'm talkin' about  [evil]  [laugh]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: never2loud on November 05, 2008, 03:05:55 PM
Quote from: pipeliner1978 on November 05, 2008, 12:44:50 PM
Slag I will be there at 4:00ish

Y'all can come over with RichD too if you want?   [beer]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: Duc L'Smart on November 05, 2008, 03:12:32 PM
Quote from: Ugly F**ker on November 05, 2008, 06:14:22 AM

I apologize again. 


Wrong thread :P
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: Giannis on November 05, 2008, 04:45:02 PM
Anyone knows any place around Dallas North Dallas that weld Steel? i need to weld a bracket on a small steel tank
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: never2loud on November 05, 2008, 08:03:43 PM

Rich, thanks a million - very awesome work!  I'm getting your dinner at the next Westie's meet-up for sure  [bow_down]

I'll post some pix of the new and improved  sub-frame tomorrow; better than new.  No $#it  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: never2loud on November 06, 2008, 08:20:42 AM

Mission accomplished.  No, really.  Here's proof:

BEFORE:

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/P1030503.jpg)


AFTER:

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z234/n2f/P1030537.jpg)



Thanks again Rich - fantastic work  [thumbsup]  See you at the track day on the 24th  [evil]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: TresGatos on November 06, 2008, 08:32:39 AM
That weld looks great! Lisa, glad you found the hairline before it got worse (sharp eyes). [thumbsup]

Wonder if there is a Westie meet this Thursday, OMG THIS is Thursday!

Keeping my ears up. ;)
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: RichD on November 06, 2008, 09:03:20 AM
Quote from: giannis on November 05, 2008, 04:45:02 PM
Anyone knows any place around Dallas North Dallas that weld Steel? i need to weld a bracket on a small steel tank

PM sent...
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: Kevin848 on November 07, 2008, 02:51:14 AM
Awesome work RichD. Think you could do a gas tank?... is that even possible? It has been fixed with JB weld, but that will only last so long Im sure.
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: Bonwilder on November 07, 2008, 03:49:28 AM
Quote from: Kevin848 on November 07, 2008, 02:51:14 AM
Awesome work RichD. Think you could do a gas tank?... is that even possible? It has been fixed with JB weld, but that will only last so long Im sure.

RichD can do anything! [bow_down] [bacon]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: pipeliner1978 on November 07, 2008, 05:42:15 AM
Quote from: Bonwilder on November 07, 2008, 03:49:28 AM
[bow_down] [bacon]
[popcorn]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: RichD on November 07, 2008, 06:13:31 AM
Quote from: Samsonite on November 07, 2008, 05:42:15 AM
[popcorn]

<snicker>  ;D



[popcorn]
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: RichD on November 07, 2008, 06:18:19 AM
Quote from: Kevin848 on November 07, 2008, 02:51:14 AM
Awesome work RichD. Think you could do a gas tank?...  is that even possible? It has been fixed with JB weld, but that will only last so long Im sure.

It would need to be empty, of course... washed clean and vented -no fumes.
I don't claim to have great eyebrows or anything, but I'd like to keep them all the same.

If you scrub the weld area shiny bright clean (down to the metal, no paint, JB Weld, Grease, etc.)  for 3/8"-1/2" around the weld area
I think it would be a quick job.
Title: Re: Need info on aluminum welding done locally...
Post by: Bonwilder on November 07, 2008, 02:59:06 PM
Quote from: Samsonite on November 07, 2008, 05:42:15 AM
[popcorn]
Quote from: Ugly F**ker on November 07, 2008, 06:13:31 AM
<snicker>  ;D



[popcorn]

What?  I'm just sayin.......... ;D