On Fri, Mar 27, 2009 at 8:22 PM, pdooley <psdooley@verizon.net> wrote: > Neil, > If your motor hasn't fallen out yet, chances are your front wheel won't > either. > I know you err on the side of caution with your welding. > Especially with the back fill, you should be just fine. > >

Thanks Pat. Heh heh. Yah. That engine will stay put.

Likely you realize this, but FWIW, the "back fill" was actually added to support the backside of the plate (and correct hole on frame) and of course it provides a proper support for the bushing where it passes through the hole. Wouldn't want it sitting on the edge of the plate. Now that was a little tricky. Not much room to move the gun to run any kind of bead on the rear side of the hole.

And oh yah. I'm cautious. And mostly sensible too. <grin> But seriously. I know my limits. i.e. I won't be welding up a trailer any time soon, and would never do welding for anyone else. But...... that patch was a good place to try my hand out welding on my Westy. i.e. even IF my welds failed on the patch, it wouldn't be a big deal. The good thing is I know more now. Next time I weld on my Westy, I'll do a better job.

-- Neil Nicholson '81 VanaJetta 2.0 "Jaco"

http://tubaneil.googlepages.com/

http://groups.google.com/group/vanagons-with-vw-inline-4-cylinder-gas-engines