Welding on Rover frames

[acg]

I am working with a fab shop to build a steel rear bumper. I may also add a set of rock sliders. I am going this route as it is relatively less expensive than having to order the parts from the States, getting it to Canada and installing it.

The shop indicated their preference to weld the sliders (versus bolt on) to the frame due to the immense amount of work in sorting out the through bolt locations and getting the frame drilled out (clearance issues). The shop is indicating weld-on sliders are inherently stronger at the attachment points than bolt-on.

I work in the commercial truck industry where hardened steel is used on the truck frames. We advise against welding on frames. The shop is indicating our Rover frame is made of mild steel and welding is not an issue. My concern is improper welding could introduce rust and corrosion.

Any thoughts on welding on Rover frames? Thanks in advance!

[red90]

It is just plain old mild steel. That said I've never seen weld on sliders.

[terayon]

ACG,

I'm not sure if I'd weld them on, my worry would be having them put to use and then bending... and then you'd have to cut them off. If you DO go for welding them on there are a few good primers that are dieletic that will allow you to (arc) weld on to the cleaned off and then primed metal. Thus no rust. I'm not sure if someone can comment on the high heat breaking down the rust prevention on the inside of the box frame.

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[BlkP38]

Hi Andrew,
As you know, sliders on Disco's are generally held on with fasteners. At fist glance it would appear not so good an idea as there is nothing much to attach them too, just the light gauge sills. However, if you consider the leverage from the frame to the slider and take a hit you might find the door(s) might not close. Many thoughts on this and you may have already checked on Discoweb. I recall reading somewhere on CAD designs as well.
Rovertym seem well respected, and they use rivnuts so no through bolt concerns, and to all accounts seem to spread the load OK.
Regards, Eric.

[punkinracer]

I've welded on frames and never had problems. I would bolt on the sliders personally for the simple fact that they could be removable if needed. Best way is to drill over sized holes and sleeve with tube on the front and back sides welded and ground flush to the frame box section. That way when you tighten the bolts you don't squash the box section.
Pat

[bsa_m21]

Andrew,

I wouldn't weld them on. Too difficult to repair if damaged. As noted by others, you can drill holes as needed. You can find lots of designs on the internet. Here is one:

http://landroverforums.com/forum/discov ... und-28617/

And here is a picture showing how to brace the slider to the frame:

sliderbrace.jpg

(96.35 KiB) Downloaded 2995 times

Something to think about. :)

[acg]

To All, thanks very much for the useful insight! I will be looking into the option of bolting it to the frame.

[radio_05]

Ech. Horrible.

Have you looked into any other fitment possibility with your sliders? Camo388 on here has fabbed up a few sliders for himself, and on my 90 at least, there are no additional holes needed in the frame.

One shouldn't be welding, drilling, or otherwise sullying a good landrover frame. Yes, it is only mild steel, but each new weld or hole reduces the strength and integrity of the frame, and should be avoided.

If the frame is rotted, and due for replacement with new, then drill and weld away. Otherwise, explore other designs for sills.

[rayhyland]

Andrew you are free to check out how mine are attached.


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