Welding on Model A frame - MIG or TIG?

Does anybody have long term perspective on this? I was told by a local expert that TIG is the only way to go because of the steel composition of the original Model A frame. He said MIG welds fail or crack over time. If I had a higher opinion of my own TIG skills, I wouldn't even be asking.

If it matters, I am looking to weld in flatty motor mounts, k-member, and upper shock mounts on the rear crossmember.

Thanks for your input.

 

Either is fine.

 

Yes, if you are competent at welding.

 

I'd TIG weld it, if you have the choice. Nothing wrong with MIG.

 

Thanks, gents, Basically, I have the choice, but it's MIG it myself, or have someone else TIG it.

 

Either is fine so long as there is good penatration.

 

Either will work fine if you have the skills.

 

Technically speaking they are the same, the only real difference is that TIG has better control of the puddle and amount of heat used.

 

Mine was done with an arc welder over 20 years ago and is still fine. You will be ok either way.

Don

 

Yep, mine too. I didn't even have a Mig until a couple years ago...still don't have a Tig and probably won't ever.

 

If you have a dc stick welder, than you can easily have a scratch Tig setup...

 

If you can't produce a weld that would pass inspection if need be, I would have someone do it that can.
The bottom line is safety.

 

Use the MIG and don't be afraid to turn up the heat....burn it in good. I boxed my frame as well as some other mods. MIG is just as good if done with the proper penetration.

 

DYK has a good point. I wonder how many people know that with a DC welder a torch and a cylinder of argon they can tig weld. Not aluminum but any ferrous metal.

 

I was assuming that anyone that asks is at least aware of their ability.

Of course, most ugly people dont know they are ugly people.

 

Prewar - You are exactly right - I asked because I am aware of my ability, and I am not confident in my TIG skills yet. I'm trying to keep the project moving, so I don't want to wait until my skills catch up. Based on the feedback, I feel pretty good about the MIG, and I'll go that route.

Regarding other comments, I think most people are aware you can pop a torch in the stinger and DC TIG weld. I have access to a Syncrowave, so it's not an equipment issue, it's recognizing my limitations.

 

DamnYankeesCustoms - will you PLEASE keep posting?
I don't care what you write - just keep posting................... oh, and DO NOT change your avitar - ever!!!!

 

Yeah, that avitar gets your attention, doesn't it.

 

At least you are smart enough to not trust your tig welding till you get better, most are not.

 

I have a keen sense of self preservation. Maybe I'll live longer!

 

Yes, but yours might be my Grandson is about 4 years. Bob

 

He aint welding schedule 40 pipe, its just a Model A frame.

 

Hey, '37. That's not me, but it looks a lot like me at that age, and my parents always told me I did something exactly like that when I was about 4 or 5. To this day my father's swears the TV plugged into the same outlet was never the same. I'm not sure I ever fully recovered either.