Back Box Welding Precautions

[ukkid35]

I would like to get this welded without having to take it off the car, as that requires removal of a lot of bodywork

Does it look practical, and what precautions do I need to take?

Any advice on finding a welder?

The car is a Smart Roadster

[LimSlip]

That looks quite doable, are you going to patch it? You'll need to grind anywhere you are welding it down to fresh metal, and FWIW those exhaust are made some kind of lower grade stainless steel, they last a very long time but do eventually corrode. If you are welding a mild steel patches with mild steel wire, expect it to rust pretty quickly compared to the rest.

I have a Roadster Coupe, and tbh I don't find removing the rear bodywork isn't that bad a job, worst thing for a coupe is the windows and the possibility of the screws being seized and ripping the inserts out.

[PhilF329]

I agree, I think that looks weldable in situ, but it would be easier and you’d get better welds if you remove it. I would earth on the box relatively close to the weld area and disconnect both battery terminals

[ukkid35]

May not win any beauty contests, but should get me through the next MOT at the very least

Cost £60 at an exhaust fabricator who I've used before, and also intend to use to fix an exhaust manifold for my other car

[bayzoo]

ukkid35 said:

May not win any beauty contests, but should get me through the next MOT at the very least

Cost £60 at an exhaust fabricator who I've used before, and also intend to use to fix an exhaust manifold for my other car

Just out of interest was it MIG welded?

[ukkid35]

I wasn't there when it was done, so I'm afraid I don't know