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bigjim350
12-07-2010, 08:51 PM
I found this link on how to build an on board welder, using an alternator. I think I might try this soon, and when I do, I will post pics in here.
http://www.midwesternmedicalmachine.com/~damonfg/weldernator/index.html

Punisher
12-08-2010, 12:29 AM
That does look like a good idea to have on a trail if ya brake sumin and ya need a temp fix to get out of a bind... If ya do one too let me know how it works?

ice_cold
12-08-2010, 05:50 PM
How would you mount the extra alternator??

bigjim350
12-08-2010, 05:59 PM
I would relocate my battery to the rear, then build a mount over in the battery area for the alt. Use a big offset pully for the alt, and just diconnect the belt to the alt when not in use. But you could mount it just about anywhere you could find room.

Mudderoy
12-08-2010, 06:10 PM
I really like these posts. Interesting.

4.3LXJ
12-08-2010, 06:50 PM
There is only one question I have. The link to the build thread says the voltage is increased with RPM. Most welders have constant voltage and vary the amperage to turn up the heat. I'm not sure how that would affect the welds.

bigjim350
12-08-2010, 06:55 PM
Just hook up a throttle control cable like the tow trucks use. Im sure the amps would still vary some, but should be good enough for trail fixes

sofixj
12-10-2010, 04:17 AM
what a great idea

PolarXJ
12-17-2010, 02:47 PM
Sweet, this mod could have been useful a couple times with my bros rig. Thanks for the link.

CMAHON
12-24-2010, 08:17 AM
Might try this soon!

PolarXJ
01-06-2011, 04:32 PM
There is only one question I have. The link to the build thread says the voltage is increased with RPM. Most welders have constant voltage and vary the amperage to turn up the heat. I'm not sure how that would affect the welds.

I'm not 100% positive, but I think the ready welder voltage is adjusted the same way. I've heard of throttle locks, but haven't seen any info/link about them.

4.3LXJ
01-06-2011, 05:20 PM
I'm not 100% positive, but I think the ready welder voltage is adjusted the same way. I've heard of throttle locks, but haven't seen any info/link about them.

I made one for my on board air.

Firemanray
01-06-2011, 08:34 PM
This looks like something I might try some time. That would be cool if it works good.

modestmar00xj
01-07-2011, 01:10 AM
hmm yeah, this is really cool!

BrianXJ
01-07-2011, 01:30 AM
Like Jim said. I think it would weld good enough for a trail fix then grind it off and re weld when you get home.

4x4Dalton
01-07-2011, 06:39 AM
Thanks Jim for the link to that. Thats something I may try later on as well. If ya make one let us know how it turns out bro.

LizardRunner
01-07-2011, 08:35 AM
Thank you for this post, great idea and better than installing an inverter and toting around a welding machine.

PolarXJ
01-07-2011, 01:09 PM
I made one for my on board air.

Do you have any pics or a build thread on it?

XJ Rat
01-07-2011, 01:22 PM
If anyone wants to try this, I've got a 136A alternator out of a WJ, 4.7 V8 sitting in my garage. $30.00 buys it.

4.3LXJ
01-07-2011, 02:27 PM
Do you have any pics or a build thread on it?

Yes, here it is

http://www.xjtalk.com/showthread.php?t=4355&highlight=fast+idle

PolarXJ
01-07-2011, 02:32 PM
Thanks for posting the link.

4.3LXJ
01-07-2011, 02:34 PM
No problem. Best thing is, it's all Jeep parts

PolarXJ
01-07-2011, 02:38 PM
Makes it even better :thumbsup: On my engine swap, I was thinking of converting my a/c compressor to have an on board air system, but the better half wanted the a/c. :D

4.3LXJ
01-07-2011, 02:48 PM
Makes it even better :thumbsup: On my engine swap, I was thinking of converting my a/c compressor to have an on board air system, but the better half wanted the a/c. :D

It is possible to have both.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu215/warriorsuspension/IMG_0075.jpg

PolarXJ
01-07-2011, 03:01 PM
:lol: I remember seeing that pick in another thread. Yeah, though it does require another compress. Since I've got to the newer motor, I have the area where the alternator use to be that I can put another compressor. I'll have to look into options there. If I could get it to work, this would be a great all around set up. I'm amazed how much room I've gain on the passenger side with this swap.

buckshot500
02-24-2013, 07:40 AM
This Idea does work, I have one in my YJ.

I had a local alternator shop guy build me one using a 220 amp Challenger alternator.
Since I needed him to remove the voltage regulator, this was perfect for that unit since there was some problem with the regulator anyway. The unit was otherwise brand new.

I pretty much held it over the engine, near where I wanted to mount it and envisioned the brackets. Then I just went to the junkyard & found some different brackets from several vehicles & bought them all for a couple of bucks.

The throttle does change the heat output, and this thing is a beast. I had to add a larger pulley to the power steering pulley to make it cold enough to work with.
I used a Bicycle shifter, to control the throttle setting.

I did a ton of research on many Jeep forums and the Googles.
I found that any alternator will pretty much work if there is no voltage regulator. Old Ford units have an external regulator, so they are ready to go.

http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh83/buckshot500/Weldzilla/IMG_0413.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh83/buckshot500/Weldzilla/IMG_0419.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh83/buckshot500/Heep%20pics/IMG_0645.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh83/buckshot500/Heep%20pics/IMG_0464-1.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh83/buckshot500/Heep%20pics/IMG_0534.jpg

buckshot500
02-24-2013, 07:49 AM
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh83/buckshot500/Heep%20pics/IMG_0455.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh83/buckshot500/Heep%20pics/IMG_0463.jpg
http://i254.photobucket.com/albums/hh83/buckshot500/Heep%20pics/IMG_0499.jpg