A

al63

New Member

• Apr 17, 2014

• #1

Hi all. I've just started welding on my 300 to and disconnected the battery and removed the alternator before doing any welding cos I read that mig welding can damage the alternator. Anyone got an opinion on this? If it doesn't do any damage I'd like to refit the alternator so I can move the car out of the garage when I need the space -I think the welding is going to take a long time. Needs inner wins at front and back, sills floors boot floor, all the usual. Also any opinions on who makes the best repair panels? Any Disco 1 owners in the Inverness area willing to share their experiences of welding up a disco?

 

I

Ian46

Active Member

• Apr 17, 2014

• #2

Leave the alternator on the engine and disconnect the battery. That is all you have to do. Honest. I've been welding cars for 31 years. Just disconnect the battery.

 

A

al63

New Member

• Apr 17, 2014

• #3

Thanks for that will make life much easier being able to run the engine.

 

goreden

Well-Known Member

• Apr 17, 2014

• #4

Ian46 said:

Leave the alternator on the engine and disconnect the battery. That is all you have to do. Honest. I've been welding cars for 31 years. Just disconnect the battery.

Click to expand...

+1, just as the man says

 

trax

.

Events Planner

• Apr 17, 2014

• #5

though some people would disagree

i think the most important thing is to earth it as close as you can to where you weld. ie, welding an exhaust and earthing on the chassis body isn't clever..

cars with lots of leccies can be much fun

 

robbh

Crazier than a box of frogs on acid

• Apr 17, 2014

• #6

I used to disconnect the battery but then i bought one of these.

Sealey Auto Electronics Protection Device 12V, SEAPROSAF/12 - Toolstoday.co.uk

Saves having to disconnect and retyping radio codes and what not when you reconnect and keeps the sensitive leccy stuff safe.

 

J

jacksta

New Member

• Apr 17, 2014

• #7

trax said:

though some people would disagree

i think the most important thing is to earth it as close as you can to where you weld. ie, welding an exhaust and earthing on the chassis body isn't clever..

cars with lots of leccies can be much fun

Click to expand...

+1, the problems associated with welding and electrics is due solely to how the welding circuit is completed. As Trax says keep the ground clamp as close to the work area as possible this will eliminate any of the vehicles wiring trying to complete the circuit.
At the same time it doesn't hurt to disconnect the battery and remove it if welding or grinding anywhere near it as an exploding battery is not a good thing.

 

A

al63

New Member

• Apr 17, 2014

• #8

Thanks for all the responses. I have always disconnected the battery and removed the alternator but I'll put the alternator back in and keep the clamp close to the weld site.
Any opinions on repair panels?

 

trax

.

Events Planner

• Apr 17, 2014

• #9

al63 said:

Thanks for all the responses. I have always disconnected the battery and removed the alternator but I'll put the alternator back in and keep the clamp close to the weld site.
Any opinions on repair panels?

Click to expand...

depends on what tools you have and what the panel is like.

if it has a lot of bends and angles, and all you have is a vice and hammer.. well a premade panel would be a lot easier

 

koyote

New Member

• Apr 30, 2022

• #10

Ian46 said:

Leave the alternator on the engine and disconnect the battery. That is all you have to do. Honest. I've been welding cars for 31 years. Just disconnect the battery.

Click to expand...

I used to disconnect both to be safe but lately I only disconnect the battery and don’t have any issues. From now on thanks to the post above only the battery will be disconnected. Thanks guys