Welding on truck to fix running boards

[JohnnyMX]

I have never welded on a vehicle before, but last winter somebody skid through a stop sign and hit my truck. It basically hit the running board and popped the three holes loose that were clamping the board to the rocker panel. The three holes in the frame are fine. I already tried bolting it down but without the holes to retain the bolts the running board fell off again. I only have the capability to stick weld it at the moment. My first guess would be to simply tacking 3 washers to replace the bolt mounting locations would fix the issue.

Do you need to take the panel off at all to do this or just tack it while on the truck? Do you need to unplug the battery or computer or anything? What would be your goto rod 6013, 6011 to not blow through (seems pretty meaty in that rocker location). Anyone got a better idea.

Can't seem to get a pic to upload.

 

[Topzide]

What about welding a piece onto the bracket to move hole in rocker, then just drill new hole in rocker. Stick would be tough, a MIG would be better choice. If welding on truck, keep the ground as close as possible and un hooking the battery won't hurt either.

 

[Peter 315]

I would take it off the truck easier to work on. Then you can see whats going on and fix it correct.....

 

[Oldpath05]

Disconnect ground on battery, watch out for gas lines or brake lines and wires, tack weld with 3/32 6011....

 

[rangerfredbob]

Safest to disconnect battery, but if you keep the path the electricity takes as short as possible it isn't too dangerous, most dangerous with A/C welders, DC welders with a short path between work and ground can get you in trouble...

 

[Sberry]

I welded on thousands of cars, trucks, tractors, trains, boats, couple planes, motorcycles and do not disconnect the battery. I am fussy about ground location.

 

[mrmikey]

I am fussy about ground location

if you put it on the piece you're welding so there's no chance of stray currents going thru anything else, you're good. I've seen the damage doe to equipment when grounds and stray currents go thru connections they're not supposed to. Saw a fella welding on a loader bucket with the ground on the rear of the machine, some people don't have the brain of a turnip..................Mike

 

[BravoXray]

I have welded on more pieces of equipment and trucks than I care to remember, and I never have unhooked a battery, nor have I ever had anything damaged by "stray currents." Electricity always takes the path of least resistance, it doesn't wander around looking for something to damage. Just attach the ground as close as possible to the area you're welding on, and not where the current is going to have to go through a pin and bushing joint or a bearing.

 

[Oldpath05]

]I have welded on more pieces of equipment and trucks than I care to remember, and I never have unhooked a battery, nor have I ever had anything damaged by "stray currents."[/B] Electricity always takes the path of least resistance, it doesn't wander around looking for something to damage. Just attach the ground as close as possible to the area you're welding on, and not where the current is going to have to go through a pin and bushing joint or a bearing.

What about on todays cars and trucks with so much computer electronics, you wouldn't disconnect batt for body work repair? I suppose if welding on a car or tractor and with radio on AM and theres no welding nose it's ok, one issue would be I dont have a radio on my tractor...........

 

[user.69169]

What about on todays cars and trucks with so much computer electronics, you wouldn't disconnect batt for body work repair? I suppose if welding on a car or tractor and with radio on AM and theres no welding nose it's ok, one issue would be I dont have a radio on my tractor...........

Best I recall dis question been around since cars first started usin alternators. Back in 70s not uncommon to blow diode pack out when jump startin engine wid 100 amp alternator from engine wid 30 amp alternator. Done it myself.

Answer back den was unplug alternator on vehicle wid dead battery & plug back in when running.

Since den more & more electrics & electronic on cars. Canbus too. Pretty sure it Ford you gotta go back to dealer fer computer reset if you change battery widout plugging battery into cigar lighter to hold computer's hand. Tool truck guy always got someting costs $100 he sure you gotta have to prevent damage.

New car today comes wid few hundred page book tells you how to use all de things can't move widout cause dey got little pictures on knobs & buttons instead of words. Don't say spit bout jump starting tho. New car got too much plastic & too much computer to even find ground beyond battery post.

Talkin to body pounder one day at dealer, asked him about welding on car. He says he asked factory guy and factory got no answer. He disconnects battery because 50/50 chance it go dead while he work on car and triggers some sensor.

Long & short, do what you think best, keep ground path short as possible and pray.
You find printable answer from any manufacturer kindly post it up.