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Whats the best way to weld or mig whatever exhaust pipe? I seen a guy working a torch and a piece of wire melting it. Whats that about?
Welding exhaust?
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781 Posts
I just used my mig no gas to weld up my old pipes when I had a full system. It worked perfeclty for me. No issues no leaks no nothing 
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I use a shop here that the guy TIG welds all my exhaust connections. In fact, I'm going to see him this week... wanting to replace the system on my '67.
Neat job!
MIG works too but sometimes its difficult to get the gun all the way around a joint.
Neat job!
MIG works too but sometimes its difficult to get the gun all the way around a joint.
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40,875 Posts
That's how I've done it for 57 years (the first couple of years, learning with a big cutting tip at the junkyard) but I'm beginning to get the hang of doing it with my Mig Welder with Argon/CO 2 now, just not very good at it yet.
(Mig welding is pretty hard to do when you can't see the weld.)
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Agreed - MIG welding is tough to learn but definitely easier set up time then the typical torch set-up. If you want to learn, I suggest setting aside a LOT of time for practice.
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I can't use a wire welder on a car - might mess up a computer or something-This is the reason why I went to this Melting rod way. I bought the rods today-they came copper coated-not sure about that yet. How much pressure should my torches have? Can't seem to pull a puddle to good. wants to burn thru.
Disconect the battery !!! Done it more times than I can count with no worrys. 40lbs oxy, 7 lbs act. It will melt !!!
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3,409 Posts
Gas welding takes practice. Get some scrap on the bench and learn how before burning up your new pipes. Practice, LOTS of practice. Done correctly it can look like TIG. Set the regulators to provide a good full flame, then turn down (using knobs on torch handle) till there is barely any sound from the tip while burning. Good blue flame about 3/8 to 1/2 inch. Should be close for exhaust tubing.
Dave my dad has been doing exhaust this way for 40 years I have heard many people he has the best torch hands around, The way you described it is spot on, he finally went to using a mig but he still prefers to use the torch. He says he just cant get used to mig. You should see him use the torch to put in floor pans It will blow your mind!!
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5,728 Posts
Just a little FYI, my shop is not just a general auto repair shop, I am also a full service exhaust shop. I have never ever ever never had an issue of electronics damage in the 8 years I have been open. Truly an old wives tale if wives talked about exhaust.
And I am not willing to ever braze an exhaust together. The idea of an open flame on a car for extended periods is just begging to set the interior on fire if you aren't careful. However, if you are building a car that has nothing to catch fire and you take your time, brazing can look pretty damn good. Years ago I had a buds dad braze in a trunk floor on my 70 SS454 Chevelle. A true Trinidadian craftsman. It came out absolutely undetectable that it was replaced. It took him hours and my back hurt just watching him.
My gun of choise for my shop is a Lincoln 140 amp 115 volt MIG with a 30 pound bottle of argon on the cart. You are in and out minimizing any damage that could happen. I use .025 non flux and the results are very nice. Just a matter of a steady hand, ptience, and the right adjustmnent of ampherage and feed speed.
Andy
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1,586 Posts
Andy,
do you go 360* around the pipe? I was thinkking of doing this when I finalize my pipes with the body off instead of clamps. If I spot welded it every 90*, would it leak? I am bad trying to run a bead with the Mig on this thin metal.
Thanks, Roland
do you go 360* around the pipe? I was thinkking of doing this when I finalize my pipes with the body off instead of clamps. If I spot welded it every 90*, would it leak? I am bad trying to run a bead with the Mig on this thin metal.
Thanks, Roland
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269 Posts
I usually weld it 360*.
My $$.02 is to do the majority of welds with the pipes off the vehicle if at all possible.
For the ones Ive done on a vehicle, Ive always had to go back and touch up the top of the pipe.
Also Ive welded good aftermarket exhaust kits before and cheap part store brand pipe. Ive deduced that part store brand pipe is usually thin and can burn through easily.
My $$.02 is to do the majority of welds with the pipes off the vehicle if at all possible.
For the ones Ive done on a vehicle, Ive always had to go back and touch up the top of the pipe.
Also Ive welded good aftermarket exhaust kits before and cheap part store brand pipe. Ive deduced that part store brand pipe is usually thin and can burn through easily.
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