hello men, this is my first post but I have been lurking here for some time now. Great forum, and a first class bunch of guys I might add. I need advice concerning a new rig I'm building. I built my first welding rig back in 1982 on a 1975 Chevy one ton. My second and current rig that I'm using is a 1988 Ford f450. I recently bought a 1999 low milage Ford f550 and am building a new bed for it. My queston concerns all the new computer eqiupment on my newest truck. Didn't have computers on my old trucks and am worried about what affects my welder ( sa-200) will have on the electronics of the truck. I've never personally seen a computer short out in a truck because of welding, but thought I ask your opinions on this subject. By the way, I asked the local Ford dealer and he was no help. Thanks in advance.
u talking about y u weld on the bed on the truck,just undo the battery ca.maybe when ur done,ground the welder to the frame/bed.cant have to many GOOD grounds.
52lincoln,thankyou- yes I'm talking about fabbing spools and other weldments on the bed of my rig. On my current set-up I have lead rollers with my stinger lead "hot", and ground lead direct to the bed of my bed so that I am able to weld on the piece that I am working on without having to use the ground lead. I have used this set-up for 20+ years now with no problems, but am concerned now that I'm going to be using a newwer model truck. I've never seen other rig welders disconnect their batteries to work, and I'd look at their rigs now but I'm all alone out here (eastern New Mexico). Not many rig welders out here. Hoping someone with a newer truck can give me advice.
Thanks-
Ray
had an 01 dodge 1 ton cummins with a skid fabbed off the back no problem, have an 06 same thing but with a deck still do the same thing... don't stress yourself out. just git 'er done.
If your worried just put a permanent ground to the bed of the truck right around where you would be working. In the refineries they had a rule that you couldn't have your ground more then 18" from wherever your were welding so you wouldn't take a chance of arcing through valves and bearings or anything with really close tolerances.
Don't think you have anything to worry about. I'm running a 2000 F550 and have welded on the back of the truck lots of times. And welded a few things onto the truck as well. No problems with the trucks computer. I don't, however, have a permanent ground lead connected to the truck frame - most of my work is off the truck.
Thanks guys, your replies have helped to set my mind at ease. I just needed to hear from other rod-burners with their own rigs.You know how it is, can't afford to be down for a day waiting on truck parts or broke down 200 miles away from home. Thanks again, and great forum!
Ray
If I was worried about frying my computer I would probably take off my ground wire from the battery, but I would check and see if that might help. Just my .02 cents worth.
Mr. Gravitt, I appreciate the reply.
thanks-
Ray
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