Need info on what kind of welding needed for rollbar

[RedNeckZ]

I need some help with the 8-point rollbar from S&W I am installing in my 240Z. I have cut it and have tack welded it into postion. Now the question, I am having someone else weld it in. I was going to have it arc welded in (looking to race it with the SCCA group) (have old rule book telling me, I can do it that way). I have been told by friends that I need to have it TIG welded in as per new rules from the SCCA. I tried to contact the SCCA group and get the answer. They haven't returned my call. Does anyone know the answer? Should I arc weld or TIG weld or MIG weld it into the car? Any help would be great. Trying to get it done this weekend. Thanks again, Rich. I have tried a search and haven't found a answer yet, Thanks.

[Z-TARD]

Not sure about the SCCA requirement for it, but TIG welding will definitely give you a higher quality weld, better penetration and less porosity. I would think that TIG welding would have to be acceptable for SCCA sanctioned events. If not, they're retards

 

Mike

[RedNeckZ]

Thanks, I guess I will be having it TIG welded. You have saved me a lot of time waiting for answers from the SCCA. Thanks again, Rich.

[johnc]

SCCA doesn't care if its TIG, MIG, or Stick welded. The welds just have to be consistent and all the way around the joint, with good penetration on both tubes, no undercut, and no craters. Your big issue is that the S&W cage may not have the correct tube material (DOM only, no ERW), diameters, or wall thickness and may not meet the design criteria SCCA specifies for main and front hoop bends and floor plate square inches and thickness.

 

Buy the rule book if you want to run with SCCA.

[ecp48]

Just a comment.

 

I work with pressure piping and other safety issues with regard to Process Safety.

 

I would not use a welder who couldn't show me a current welding certificate for the type of welding being performed. Roll Bars/cages and suspension components are to intrinsic to our safety. No one on this site drives the cars just for looks. Therefore when you are pushing close to 10/10ths you need all the safety you can build in, whether that is Club Hot Lapping, Autocross or SCCA.

 

Ther are a lot of very good welders out there, who have never achieved/attained a certificate. But to my mind it is not worth the risk in this area.

 

I'll get off the sermon now!

 

ecp48.

[johnc]

I would not use a welder who couldn't show me a current welding certificate for the type of welding being performed. Roll Bars/cages and suspension components are to intrinsic to our safety.

 

Unfortunatly there doesn't appear to be any certifications for automotive type welding. In general, industries develop the specifications then AWS takes them to create an overall standard and a certification process. The standard pipe certifications are for pipe's 6" in diameter or large and involve bevels, etc. that are not needed for roll cages. Some of the pressure welding certifications "might" be applicable, but there's so much extra involved that its not worth the expense.

 

Lincoln Electric is in the process of developing a 4130 tube welding certification for automotive size tubing. I welded up a few dozen coupons back in October 2002 for them and just got a certificate back saying I passed the intial pull tests on the tubes. But, that's the only automotive/motorsports related welding certification that I know of.