Topic: welding frame?

[slowjo]

I'm planning on doing some welding on the frame of 71 CB750. I was told to unwire all ground wires before welding because I could burn up the electrical componets. Is this true or should I just start welding? Thanks.

[Zaipai]

Well I am not a welder, however its unlikely to cause an issue still I would play it safe and unhook the battery I mean unhooking both wires can't take more then a few min...

Just my 2 cents worth.. Some one with more exp will probably post a better reply..

[slowjo]

I already took the battery out for winter. But with my luck I just want to be on the safe side. Thanks.

[paddy paul]

Just make sure your frame is grounded well with the welder ground and you will be fine, you don't nee to disconnect all the ground wires....

[slowjo]

Thanks for the advice. Its 33 degrees here in Ohio right now and its only supposed to be in the 20's tomorrow for the high. Ill do some welding tonight while me and the wife wait for the ball to drop at midnight. Thanks.

[Terry in Australia]

Yeah mate, just disconnect the battery, and you'll be fine. Cheers, Terry.

[77honda]

Make sure you have the earth clamp from the welder as close as possible to the area to be welded, and as stated disconnect your battery cables. By having the earth close you reduce the chance of having stray current running through your bike. We have to do this at work so we don't damage and electronic instruments or motors.

Mike

[Don R]

Mike nailed it right.

[mystic_1]

I'd be more worried about heat damage than electrical damage.

Whatcha welding?

mystic_1

[cafe2be]

mystic nailed the heat issue too. The frame is going to get very hot in the area surrounding the weld. Also make sure you thoroughly clean off all old existing paint.

[Industrial Cafe]

heat the area thoroughly with a torch to get any condensation out or you might get a #$%*ty weld.
at least that's what I do when I weld industrial pipe.

[slowjo]

I purchased a new cafe style seat last year and the hinges do not line up well. I tried everything to get them to work. I just let it go at that so I could get some riding in this past summer. But since I'm off work for the holidays I have some free time to get it done right. I had to remove the rear hinge tabs that mounts to the frame and move it over about a 1/4 inch to get the seat lock to work. Thanks.

[Don R]

Thats a good point abut removing the paint, Don't burn any and use good ventilation that stuff will send you into the house for the rest of the day with your eyes crossed and a nasty headache. Trust me, I learned the hard way.
Pre-heating is a good idea too, a bike that has spent time stored outside can have rust inside the tubes too, I  like to tig weld so I get good heat control and try to keep the weld small. But you may have already learned this.