EDIT: OOPS! I did a search AFTER I posted this and found pretty much all the info I needed. I have a Model A axle that is in very good condition except for a small pit (approximately 1/4 inch wide by 1/8 inch deep) that was worn into it by a bolt or something when the ch***is was doing service as a farm wagon. Is it safe to MIG this pit and then grind it to match the contour of the axle? The pit is about 6 inches inboard from the wishbone mount. Any tips would be appreciated.
It will be far from the first Model A axle that had prior damage welded up and slicked off. Even to filling holes that were drilled for the brackets for trailer tongue mounts with one style of turn your old Model A Ch***is into a farm trailer kit that were around 80 years ago.
I've had several deuce heavy's repaired by Anson Axles, mostly shackle groves. He just welds them up and grinds the weld so you'd never know they were repaired. Your A axle should work the same way.
MIG weld it, mild steel with argon. preheat. or stick weld it with E7018. Or just a divot LO/Hi is not essential, farmer rod (E6011) will work. Or lead it in or fill it with br*** or smear some mud in it. I said all that to say this, you're golden my friend go for it.
I would use 7018 3/32 rod at 80-90 amps DC. Place a spot weld with a diameter of about 3/8" and peen the weld and check for any warpage after it cooled. Continue in this manner until hole is filled and grind smooth.
That small pit is nothin' This is what you call a pit, actually more like a quarry , ( pic saved from h.a.m.b.)
Now that right there is funny. Those two photos were taken by me, and are from the car I am working on. It's a '31 Coupe that was converted to a pickup during the war, and I think the farmer left a load of chicken **** or fertilizer in the box when it was parked. It rotted all the way through the box and covered the rear axle and part of the frame. I kept that axle around for a while to show folks and finally hauled it off to the s**** yard a couple years ago. Here it is in it's current state, with lots of metal replaced in the rear, and a different frame under it. 346 inch flathead Cadillac up front. I found a deck lid and got rid of all the pickup box remnants. The rear axle is forward because I haven't yet modified the frame for the '40 axle under it.
Those stock axles are forged steel and they weld just fine. Make sure the metal is clean as possible.
Looks great! I did not know you were building this Bob? Do you have a build thread going that I missed?
No build thread yet, Mike. I am taking a LOT of photos and figured I'd start a thread once I'm a little further along. Next time you're near Shawnee let me know and you can take a look at it.
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