Welding on a Modern Car

[dkroth]

I've got a few rust pin-holes forming on the quarter panel of my 1998 BMW. Am I OK weld them up with my MIG unit? Is the electrical inteference from the welder going to kill some/all of the electronics in the car?

Where's a good place to connect the ground from the welder? I'd like to do it as close as possible the the welding site rather than the battery or engine. I want to minimize the current flowing through the car body and wiring.

 

[jhelrey]

I always see them connect it to the area where they are welding and not only do they clamp it, but they weld their clamp to the car.

 

[sberry]

Clamp ground to the piece you are working on.

Where's a good place to connect the ground from the welder? I'd like to do it as close as possible the the welding site rather than the battery or engine. I want to minimize the current flowing through the car body and wiring.

NOT to battery or engine unless you are welding on it.

 

[atari]

Totally disconnect the battery and ground the welder reasonably close to were your welding. I would not weld the ground to the car, its kinda overkill. They make magnetic clamps that work really well. They have a magnet ring and a spring loaded pin in the center that the welder grounds through. Some times its easier to use than the clamp style on sheet metal. I have welded on a bunch of cars, in fact I just welded the sub-fame back into an E36. Be happy that you only have a rust issue, It could be worse.

 

[wreckercologist]

Totally disconnect the battery and ground the welder reasonably close to were your welding.

Yeah, this is the cheapest way out.........doesn't cost a dime.

At work we use the Mac tools ET20AZ Anti-Zap so there's no need to disconnect the battery.

 

[saabman]

I would disconnect the ECU as well.

 

[sberry]

I think there as many problems caused by connect/disconnect. Have welded on hundreds. probably thousands of cars, never do it. Trucks are used as welding platforms every day.

 

[topnos]

Yeah, this is the cheapest way out.........doesn't cost a dime.

At work we use the Mac tools ET20AZ Anti-Zap so there's no need to disconnect the battery.

The Mac Tool Anti-Zap is the way to go. Easy to use and ensures no eletrical surge damage to ECUs or other sensitive electrical equipment. I have one and used it a lot without 1 electrical problem.