QL cradle mod. question

[timbo2]

Could you drill holes and bolt the steel across the mounts?

I don't have a welder or very easy access to one.
Thx.

[R Bedell]

You could get all the pieces together, take it to a professional welder, have it welded, and maybe pay $10.00.

[J-Mech]

If that's not an option, I'm sure you could pack it up and send it to another member. I suggest JeffinPA.

[timbo2]

OK I was just checking. I'll keep looking around here. I have my steel ready and rails cleaned up.
Thx.

[sawdustdad]

this is a good excuse to buy your first welder. If money is an issue, the $99 harbor freight wire fed welder will work OK. Find a few pieces of scrap metal to practice on. Watch a few you tube videos, and you can teach yourself to weld pretty quickly. Another choice is to find a used stick welder, though technique with a stick welder is a little more important.

If you want a decent welder for low cost, the Hobart Handler 140 MIG welder is a good place to start. get a tank of gas and you will be surprised how easy it is to lay a decent weld.

Learning how to weld is a lifetime skill that will pay off many times down the road.

[gdheck]

Tim,
I would say to bring your cradle down here for a free weld job, but 65 miles might be a little far for you to drive.

As far as welders, I would suggest a 220V welder and using solid wire with gas if you buy one. The 110 welders are handy, but the weld capacity and the duty cycle is fairly low. Much nicer welds are obtainable with a Miller or Lincoln. I have a Hobart and my main complaint is that there are only 4 heat ranges, where a miller is infinitely variable and I'm sure a Lincoln would be too. Also, I don't care much for the auto set type welders. With the welders where you make the settings, you're in control instead of the welder.

[twoton]

Hey Tim, if you have not put the thing back together yet could you let me know what length the bolts are that bolt the cradle to the oil pan? Of the three left on mine, two are different lengths and one looks to be non original. Looks to me like they should be 1".

Thanks,

David

[ol'George]

Good idea to chase the threads in the pan, then put a too long of a bolt in there
and measure, allowing for lock washer, and thickness of the iso rails.
Too short and they will strip, too long and you will break into pan.

[twoton]

Yeah, that's what I did, looks like a 1 1/8" bolt would be perfect so either a 1" or a 1 1/4 with an extra washer or two. Probably better with the 1" just to be safe. The threads for the missing bolt seem a bit sloppy, thinking about heli-coiling that one, or maybe all 4, what do you think ol' George?

[timbo2]

1" - yeah I would be careful going longer especially on aluminum pans. I'm already replacing one of those with cast iron. I'm sticking with 1" and a lock washer I think.