Following numerous patchs and repairs I was facing the decision of purchasing a new exhaust. However the prices were a bit steep for my liking, therefore I bit the bullet and hauled the boxes off for a closer look at the situation. Following some head scratching I picked up some 1.2mm sheet steel from the local merchant (who kindly put a round in it). I cut the rotten bit out and welded the new bit in, minus the baffle, but it sounds great! The centre section is sporting a few patches, however this is next for the refurb job. Hope this shows that there is an alternative, albeit (long term) temporary, to a new exhaust.

A Clarke welder... *Cringe!*

However, those welds are a LOT less porous that I would have expected. Nice work.

What's wrong with clarkes welders?

How much detail would you like me to go into?

For diy use. It's only a transformer with an inverter, init?

Tsk tsk. Is this a forum for like minded people to share ideas and solutions, or for experts to ridicule those who try their best? The welder in question was a gift for my 40th and has been usd to good effect to replace the sills and patch many other parts of the car. It is a hobby after all! If I buy expensive wire, will it still be second rate?
Cheers

OK, I've used Murex, ESAB, Kemppi (Kempoweld), Butters, AMP, etc. welders for years now, and I take them for granted.

If I go to use a SIP or a Clarke cheapo machine, then I realise what a luxury I'm used to.

However, this doesn't make up for the shoddiness of cheap welders.

The sheer incapability of a constant wire feed rate for a start.

@ Crusher:

No, this isn't a forum for "experts" and ridicule, hence me saying that you'd achieved a nice result with such machinery.

Point taken.
PS. I am more than willing to listen to advice from those in the know. So if you have any suggestions on getting the best out of the Clarke, fire away.
Cheers

To be honest, with the variables you've got, you're doing pretty damn well, especially the gas shielding side of things, so just keep going mate. Nice work!

Good looking job done mate should keep you going for a bit longer As far as the welder type is concerned Well its done its job ok maybe not as good as a bigger set but its done what i needed to do weld

Keep up the good work

Simon

Nice to see this topic back up - get some pictures up of how it went, I'm quite excited to see how it turned out!

I fitted the newly refurbed exhaust and it sailed through the MOT. It sounds a damn sit quiter and I don't get gassed while I am waiting at the lights - result!

I have been reading the posts on beam axle bushes with interest as I will need to replace them asap. One of the posts is pretty comprehensive, although they all say it is a pig of a job for the DIYer. I do feel an enormous sense of ahievement when a task has been completed though, especially if it is a first attempt. I am sure you will agree.

Cheers

Crusher

That's a fantastic original looking car, "Crusher". Hope nobody is planning to crush it any time soon!