Help Needed

[frx026]

Hi Guys,

I need some help to find a place that can weld Stainless steel to Aluminium.

I have had to cut a bolt out of the top of a coilover (the bolt that goes through the top plate of the coilover through the strut tower in the engine bay) and rather than replace the whole set of coilovers as someone had suggested to me today for the sake of one bolt I want to be able to have a stainless steel bolt welded in. (the original was pressed in) I don't want to use another press in bolt.

A few places have told me it can’t be done. I believe it can and need some help to find the right place.

I want quality workmanship so cost is not an issue.

Any suggestions please post up the details or PM me directly.

Thanks in advance.

[scotty nm35]

Cant weld alloy to stainless unfortunately, the bolts you need are pressed in but they have a head on the back so they cant pull right through. You should be able to get a replacement or someone could make one for you on a lathe?

Worst case just put a bolt up from the arch.

[stahlz_ae86]

By bolt do you mean stud? The type that has a spline and points up through the strut tower? Show photo of how it was cut.

Why don't you want to press a new stud in?

[frx026]

By bolt do you mean stud? The type that has a spline and points up through the strut tower? Show photo of how it was cut.

Why don't you want to press a new stud in?

yes - this is the stud that has a spline and goes up through the strut tower.

I have no pics of how it was cut out, I can tell you it was cut from the engine bay side after the stud spun in the aluminium strut top. once it was cut the stud fell out. the splines on the stud stripped the aluminum.

I want to weld something in because I think it would be stronger. However.. I have only been able to find two places, one in the us and one in the uk that can do this.. Every engineer i have asked just says it cant be done..

A press un stud may have to be an option.. Any suggestions for a place that can do one that is good.. My normal tuner is currently closed on extended xmas holidays..

[stahlz_ae86]

What size are the studs/nuts? Couldn't you just press in another stud?

For example if it were M8 originally and the spline in the alloy plate is chewed out it could be re-drilled and a larger stud pressed in?

If you have just the plate seperate I can press a stud in...

Edited January 10, 2012 by stahlz_ae86