The overflow tube on the gas tank of my 1927 tudor came off in two pieces when I removed it from the tank I really didn't I had anything to lose by trying to weld it, so I gave it a shot. (worse case scenario - splice it with a rubber hose and clamp or shell out the $30.00 for a new one). The metal is extremely thin and I blew some holes in it until I got the voltage adjusted correctly. One side came out pretty nice; the other, is OK. I ground down as far as I dared and can use some bondo to smooth out the rest, if I decide to to that.
Jim, Any time you are welding something very thin, try to "back it up" with a piece of copper or brass. For something like this pipe you could use a brass rod slid thru the pipe, or since your pipe is dented, you could have used a short piece of copper tube sized to fit inside the pipe. The short piece of copper tube (called a "chill ring" in the welding trade) would also align the weld joint. You can just leave it in place or since it is copper and the weld will not stick to it. You could knock it out later, after the weld is made. Nice save. Anytime you save something with welding it, is a good day ... submitted with respect, Donnie Brown ...
Bravo and a pat on the back.
FWIW, a replacement overflow tube can be made from 1/2" copper pipe.
Hey -- It is more fun to fix something old than replace it!
I hope my wife is listening!
I agree, especially if you have the old one to fix. In my case the tube was missing, therefore I opted to make one rather than try and source one.
Lincoln suggested using reverse polarity when using my welder on thin metal.
Ted, HUH?? (My ignorance is showing.) I'll show you how to fly airplanes is u show me how to weld
If I remember how.