Just realized I was wrong about mobile welders for frame work

Had a Fleet F150 come in last Thursday with a cracked frame rail near the rear spring hanger. I always sent those out to a dedicated shop down in Springfield, cost the customer like $900 each time. But the mobile welder I finally tried, Mike from Apex Repair, did the job in my bay for $450 and the weld passed the 4-inch fish plate spec I usually follow. What convinced me was watching him preheat and monitor the temp with an infrared gun before laying a bead, something the other place never visibly did. Has anyone else had better luck letting a truck come to you instead of subbing it out?

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scott.mia24d ago

Preheating and watching the temp with an infrared gun is the whole ballgame on frame rails. That's how you know the guy actually cares about the weld holding up instead of just laying a bead and cashing the check. I started using a mobile guy three years ago for the same kind of work and I've never sent a frame out since. One tip though, make sure whoever you use has a machine that can push enough amps for a proper fish plate, because a little 110v setup won't cut it on thicker steel. Also ask if he stress relieves after, thats the part most guys skip and it comes back to bite you later. Sounds like Mike knows his stuff so I'd stick with him.

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