welding on 1996 bronco xl

[rusty scuppers]

I have a 1996 bronco xl that am trying to restore with 240,000 miles on it and so far I rebuilt the tailgate,e4od trans,replaced a leaking water pump, spark plug and wires which I thought was the hardest truck I've ever done! Now I've started on the interior I changed the instrument cluster to one that has an rpm gage, I took out the seats and ripped up vinyl flooring to see what was underneath, MAN what a surprise a lot of surface rust the jute was still wet even though its been and inside of a heated garage for 4 months and the weather has warm, anyway I found one rust thru so far, I do have a mig welder and like to repair it. It is about an inch in diameter near the drivers side floor pillar. What must I do to prevent damage to my electrical systems obd2, air bag, and such.

 

[L\Bronco]

I have a 1996 bronco xl that am trying to restore with 240,000 miles on it and so far I rebuilt the tailgate,e4od trans,replaced a leaking water pump, spark plug and wires which I thought was the hardest truck I've ever done! Now I've started on the interior I changed the instrument cluster to one that has an rpm gage, I took out the seats and ripped up vinyl flooring to see what was underneath, MAN what a surprise a lot of surface rust the jute was still wet even though its been and inside of a heated garage for 4 months and the weather has warm, anyway I found one rust thru so far, I do have a mig welder and like to repair it. It is about an inch in diameter near the drivers side floor pillar. What must I do to prevent damage to my electrical systems obd2, air bag, and such.

honestly, disconnect the battery and ground close to your welds and all will be well, plus keep the ignition off, (even though the batt is disconnected)
Hope that helps.
Cheers

 

[Tiha]

I have always disconnected the alternator and left everything else. The diodes in the alternator cannot handle it if the ground is good where you are welding.

 

[L\Bronco]

honestly, disconnect the battery and ground close to your welds and all will be well, plus keep the ignition off, (even though the batt is disconnected)
Hope that helps.
Cheers

Sorry, I just noticed that wasn't completely clear.
"Ground your welder as close as possible to the area you will be welding."
Cheers

 

[chrlsful]

hey, listen, some rigs are portable welding shops on wheels.

I'm thinkin of gettin a PullPal ready welder mig for my bronk
(lill spool gun). Back country welding at trail side might B a
good side income at those pleasure events. Just get the 'super
alternater" (w/2 'leads' - a "gun" 'n a "ground") !
8^ )

 

[rusty scuppers]

I should have responded sooner but Thank you to all for the advice. In addition to the to the advice I am thinking about removing the fuses to the airbag and obd2 that would cost a lot if I lost them. I can't help but wonder how many rigs have this problem of hidden moisture.

 

[goodO1boydws]

Probably most of them-except for those that aren't existing where the ambient humidity is extremely low year round.

Think of the many years of condensation sneaking in to get trapped under that vinyl-even before any spills, melted snow, rain or body/window seal leaks letting actual water get in directly through flaws in the vinyl. OR moisture from below the sheet metal-through overlapped seams that aren't perfectly sealed-or through the holes from missing/torn or loose body plugs.
The same thing can happen under mega-buck rubber floor mats that are left in place forever.

 

[wyo58]

I have a 1996 bronco xl that am trying to restore with 240,000 miles on it and so far I rebuilt the tailgate,e4od trans,replaced a leaking water pump, spark plug and wires which I thought was the hardest truck I've ever done! Now I've started on the interior I changed the instrument cluster to one that has an rpm gage, I took out the seats and ripped up vinyl flooring to see what was underneath, MAN what a surprise a lot of surface rust the jute was still wet even though its been and inside of a heated garage for 4 months and the weather has warm, anyway I found one rust thru so far, I do have a mig welder and like to repair it. It is about an inch in diameter near the drivers side floor pillar. What must I do to prevent damage to my electrical systems obd2, air bag, and such.

The vinyl flooring is way worse for trapping water than carpet, at least carpet can breath some and release any moisture that gets into the Jute padding.