Ruben Posted May 7, 2002 Share Posted May 7, 2002 I'm new to welding with a MIG welder and cannot seem to find any definitive answers to my questions. Here's my situation. I would like to put together my own exhaust system and do all the welding. The mandrel bent pipes are aluminized and I need to know what is the best wire and shielding gas mix to use. Also, do I need to coat the welds afterwards to restore the protection of the aluminized coating? I currently have a C-25 (75% argon, 25% CO2) gas bottle and E70S-6 wire in sizes .030 and .023. However, I don’t know if any of it will work well with aluminized steel. I have seen on a couple websites the recommendation to use A-675 Airco Wire, but could not find any info on the gas mix. Any info and tips would be greatly appreciated. Ruben ’72 240Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted May 7, 2002 Share Posted May 7, 2002 Just make sure you run a file or grinder on the edge of the mating surfaces so they're free from the coating. Aluminized is just aluminum sprayed over steel. I welded it like that and no gas even and it worked ok. I suspect you'll be fine. I'd just cut off a few small pieces if you have extra and give it a shot. Good luck, Lone Ps: Oh yeah you'll need to spray the weld with something to slow down rust as the aluminum will be burned back a bit even past the weld. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony240ZT Posted May 7, 2002 Share Posted May 7, 2002 I don't have gas hooked up to my MIG, but haven't noticed any difference between welding on non aluminized and aluminized steel. The weld will rust of not covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yo2001 Posted May 8, 2002 Share Posted May 8, 2002 You won't need to coat the weld if you are going to use the argon shield. argon wol protect the metal from rust. Also, argon will help give the smoother bead with without too much heat. for steel, 75% is good, 90 is for softer metal. Well, That's what I was told. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted May 8, 2002 Share Posted May 8, 2002 Not to contradict, but the shielding gas only shields the weld while its being welded, it will assuredly rust if not painted. Two things in this world are certain, metal rusts and concrete cracks. Regards, Lone Ps: IMHO Exhausts can still rust from the inside out, lots of water in emissions these days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruben Posted May 8, 2002 Author Share Posted May 8, 2002 Thanks Guys, Ruben '72 240Z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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