welding rear lower wishbones
 

Hi folks I've just welded up one rear lower wishbone. BUT even though I tacked it and made sure that it was ok in the jig - once I fully welded the narrow end was pulled in 5mm as the weld cooled...:mad: Perfectly flat with no twisting in the other axis. I fully welded the bone out of the jig. Has anyone else had a problem with this?

Spalders

Mine moved about 3mm when i did mine, so i put one side of the wishbone in the vice (nice and tight) and then put a bar through the opposite bush tube and persuaded into shape ;)

Be carefull though i think someone on here done the same thing and the pry bar slipped out and whacked em on the head :eek: :D :D

Hope this helps

bottle jack is what you need. or a threaded bar and some big nuts and washers.

Another vote for either a bottle jack or threadded bar & washers :)

I find the problem with using a bar in the bush tubes is that if any amount of force is used, the bush tube may become out of shape !!

It is quite normal for the welds to pull the material on this type of structure ;)
If It was held rigid in a jig, it'll still spring when it is released.

I agree a jack or the threaded bar and washers is a better idea :o

Saying that it only took me about two minutes to sort mine with a bar before they went to powdercoaters and it didnt damage the bush tubes whatsoever, but i should have added above that the bar was a very good fit in the tubes.

Wasn't dissing your sugestion Mark :)

I must admit, the good ole bar is normally the first tool I reach for :D

Unlike my 4ft tyre lever, your bar is probably a better fit in the bush tube & unlikey to deform it ;)

Can i ask which powdercoaters you are using Mark, i got friendly with one in Brenda Road, Seaton. Got some good prices but the finish isn't 100%.

"If in doubt get the bar out". Same happened with mine a few mm, pulled it out again and they where fine..

Ive been using a company called motorcool he reconditions radiators and does powdercoating, its at mandale triangle thornaby on the industrial estate.

Im not not sure if his prices are good or not because i didnt shop around, he did some alloys for me a while ago and they were superb so used him again.

He did all 8 wishbones, rear uprights, rack extensions and a rocker cover for about £80 or £90 cant remember exact price. He did say the more things you take the cheaper it is.

They were done in satin black and the finish is faultless :)

No offence taken Bonzo everyone does things different even though we are all trying to achieve the same thing :D

thanks

Thanks Mark,

i'll give them a try for my next build..

Andy H