Welding to a pitman arm.

[pszikszai]

I am modifying my M5's pitman arm.
Do I need to use regular welding rod or cast iron?
Thanks
Paul

[bams50]

BOY, I hate welding on steering parts[:0] If you have to question it, I say DON'T DO IT. Lay up what you need and have an expert in welding cast do it. I know how and can do it, but I'd never instruct soeone, or weld someone else's steering part. Not that expensive to have a pro do it.

If you mess it up and it fails, you lose all steering- don't risk it. We need you in one piece!



Robert (Bob) Andrews Owner- Studebakeracres- on the IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys!)
Parish, central NY 13131

"Some people live for the rules, I live for exceptions"- 311

"With your Lark you're on your own, free as a bird, alive as a Lark. You've suddenly discovered that happiness is a thing called Larking!"

[52 Ragtop]

Agreed! Welding on steering/suspension parts is generslly a No NO! Most shops will not even do it because of the liability involved!

Jim

[BobPalma]

Yep. What Bob and Jim said. Don't do it. Just do something else...anything else. BP

[bams50]

It can be done, but I'd go to most any length to avoid it! Tell us what you're trying to do- maybe someone can help you find a safe alternative[^]



Robert (Bob) Andrews Owner- Studebakeracres- on the IoMT (Island of Misfit Toys!)
Parish, central NY 13131

"Some people live for the rules, I live for exceptions"- 311

"With your Lark you're on your own, free as a bird, alive as a Lark. You've suddenly discovered that happiness is a thing called Larking!"

[pszikszai]

I am trying to add power steering to an M5.
It has a Studebaker V8 and very little room to install the power valve.
There is no room to mount anything on the steering column.
Leaving me no other choice than to lower the pitman arm
to bypass the front springs and tie rod.
Paul

[DEEPNHOCK]

If you are adept enough to weld a steering arm, then you might consider swapping the steering box istelf.
Here's a swap done to a Ccab, but an M series souldn't be much different.
http://rides.webshots.com/album/531999616JWLnzt

Just tossing out alternative thoughts....
If you do end up welding your steering arm, have it 'V' cut and welded by a pro (TIG), then Zy-Glowed.
I'm in the 'no weld steering arm camp myself, but have seen it done successfully many times.
Hope the info helps...
Jeff[8D]

quote:Originally posted by pszikszai

I am trying to add power steering to an M5.
It has a Studebaker V8 and very little room to install the power valve.
There is no room to mount anything on the steering column.
Leaving me no other choice than to lower the pitman arm
to bypass the front springs and tie rod.
Paul

[thom]

My 2 cents worth...actually only probably 1 and 1/2...years ago I approaced my local machine shop about modifying a pitman arm . The only way they would do it is hard to explain without pictures , but I will try to explain. I supplied two pitman arms. One had the right splines to fit the box and the other had the right "little" end. First he sawed the right big end off and turned it down on his lathe.What you end up with is a round ring with the splines inside. Then he took the other arm and bored out the hole with the wrong size splines in it so that the round ring was a press fit into the new hole.The two parts were pressed together and welded . One caution...welding too much at one time could change the shape , making the hole not round.When I had mine done labor rates were four dollars per hour , as I remember.Let us know what you decide to do.Thanks

thom

[PackardV8]

Lots of sound reasons why welding on the pitman arm is a concern.
However, cannot we apply the same caution when recommending tossing the entire front suspension and welding in a grab bag of aftermarket crossmembers, A-arms, steering, brakes and assorted shadetree-engineered components? Welding one pitman arm is a pretty simple task for a certified welder. Engineering an entire front suspension, steering and braking system IS rocket science. Just a thought.

thnx, jack vines

PackardV8

[pszikszai]

Jeff, I would love to do that. But my M5 has a studebaker V8 and no room for a unit like that.
There is not enough room to even consider a tractor type control valve.
Thanks for the idea.
Paul

[52-fan]

I was going to suggest the GM type steering box also. That is what my brother used on his C cab and he loves it. The M frame is very close to the same except for the all but the earliest C cabs having angled cross members in the very front.


1952 Champion Starlight, 1962 Daytona.Searcy,Arkansas
"I may be lazy, but I'm not shiftless."

[pszikszai]

Enclosed is a picture ofthe engine and it will show you that there is only a quarter inch to half inch room betwen the steering column
and the engine.
Originaly this was not a problem, but now my wife thinks it is "CUTE". You all know what that means.

The carburator is only 390 cfm.
Paul

[DEEPNHOCK]

Paul,
You are my sole nominee to the 'Battery Hold Down of the Year' Award!
Jeff[8D]

http://community.webshots.com/user/deepnhock

[pszikszai]

It was not intended to be seen.
Paul

[buddymander]

I've welded several pitman arms. I always grind the two pieces to a point and start welding where they meet. I continue to weld all the way around , making many passes until the V-groove is filled completely. When I'm done, the better portion of the pitman arm is red hot. I have never had a problem. I've used steel rod and I've used wire mig. I thought all pitman arms were forged steel. If you have a cast one; that would be enough to scare me.