Subframe thickness

[jpiazzam3]

I’m in the process of subframe reinforcment. I’m trying to setup my welder I figured out the hard way that the sheet metal isn’t the same thickness as the reinforcement plates. Can anyone tell me the thickness or gauge of the racp metal. Thanks

[Gt4]

I set my Miller Multimatic for 18 gauge when doing RACP reinforcement and move my hand accordingly

[bmwfnatic]

Thickness varies, not the same across the entire car.
The front mounts are thicker in my experience compared to the rears, which in some places are only 0.8mm thick.

While settings probably differ per welding machine, what Gt4 suggested is pretty much what I use too.
Another way to set it up is to create around 10mm of heat/discoloration around the weld area, if you have much more than that you are running way too hot.

[Gt4]

You can also weld with machine adjust for 16 gauge, spend more time on the reinforcement plates than chassis and spot weld bead by bead and change in different spots of the plates after 1-2’’ sections. This will put less heat to the chassis so less stress. Just need to move hand a bit faster.

[jpiazzam3]

Appreciate the replies. Thankyou

[bigjae46]

You can also weld with machine adjust for 16 gauge, spend more time on the reinforcement plates than chassis and spot weld bead by bead and change in different spots of the plates after 1-2’’ sections. This will put less heat to the chassis so less stress. Just need to move hand a bit faster.

Ahhh...the joys of overhead welding! I vote for more amperage to get it over and done with faster!