welding heater control - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lumpyguy · 01-04-2009, 05:52 PM

I am looking to attach my heater control leaver to the cast chrome housing but there is no way to re-attach it and I was going to do a small tig weld on what was left of the rivot but does anyone know what the cast material is
made out of any help would be great

PanelDeland · 01-04-2009, 06:34 PM

It's called "pot metal".I really don't know if you can TIG it.I doubt it but it never hurts to try.If it doesn't work they make a kit to repair the broken levers.It's made of steel.They only take a couple hours to install and from what I can tell they will never break again.In order to make sure you have a good repair remove the cables and clean/lube them so they operate smoothly.I cleaned mine in a parts washer and then laid them in my oil drain pan where I had left oil.It's been 6-7 years and they still work well.I do spray some graphite lube in the ends of the cables regularly.
BTW Any vendor should carry the kit.

dave2953 · 01-04-2009, 06:43 PM

I agree with Panel. Mine broke off and I thought about trying to have it welded too. In the end I just replaced it. It didn't cost very much and wasn't too hard to do. If you do decide to weld it let us know how it works out for you.

KEL · 01-05-2009, 12:59 PM

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=245558

this should help
good luck

**LockDoc** · 01-05-2009, 10:35 PM

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I get the impression that he is talking about the chrome face coming loose from the lever assembly.... If this is correct, you won't be able to weld it because it is pot metal as Panel said, and has a low melting point and it will just "blow" away. I have repaired these by drilling through the face of the unit, countersinking the holes on the outside, putting small flat head bolts in it and getting a new self stick metallic decal for the face.

LockDoc

cdowns · 01-05-2009, 10:50 PM

i've drilled and tapped and used a screw for repairing the levers had them work for years without problems

**j_cst_10** · 01-05-2009, 11:32 PM

You can try tig welding it with no filler rod, or try brazing which would be plenty strong.

01-04-2009, 05:52 PM	#1
lumpyguy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: london ontario Posts: 62	welding heater control I am looking to attach my heater control leaver to the cast chrome housing but there is no way to re-attach it and I was going to do a small tig weld on what was left of the rivot but does anyone know what the cast material is made out of any help would be great

01-04-2009, 06:34 PM	#2
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: welding heater control It's called "pot metal".I really don't know if you can TIG it.I doubt it but it never hurts to try.If it doesn't work they make a kit to repair the broken levers.It's made of steel.They only take a couple hours to install and from what I can tell they will never break again.In order to make sure you have a good repair remove the cables and clean/lube them so they operate smoothly.I cleaned mine in a parts washer and then laid them in my oil drain pan where I had left oil.It's been 6-7 years and they still work well.I do spray some graphite lube in the ends of the cables regularly. BTW Any vendor should carry the kit. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil" Last edited by PanelDeland; 01-04-2009 at 06:35 PM.

01-04-2009, 06:43 PM	#3
dave2953 Dave's not here, man Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Winder, Georgia Posts: 2,000	Re: welding heater control I agree with Panel. Mine broke off and I thought about trying to have it welded too. In the end I just replaced it. It didn't cost very much and wasn't too hard to do. If you do decide to weld it let us know how it works out for you. __________________ - 2014 VW Jetta - 2015 VW Jetta - 1966 Ford F-250

01-05-2009, 12:59 PM	#4
KEL 72 GMC Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wells, Maine Posts: 534	Re: welding heater control http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=245558 this should help good luck

01-05-2009, 10:35 PM	#5
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,334	Re: welding heater control - I get the impression that he is talking about the chrome face coming loose from the lever assembly.... If this is correct, you won't be able to weld it because it is pot metal as Panel said, and has a low melting point and it will just "blow" away. I have repaired these by drilling through the face of the unit, countersinking the holes on the outside, putting small flat head bolts in it and getting a new self stick metallic decal for the face. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

01-05-2009, 10:50 PM	#6
cdowns Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: daytonabeach Posts: 22,956	Re: welding heater control i've drilled and tapped and used a screw for repairing the levers had them work for years without problems __________________ 71c-10 350/2004r/4:11 lowered3/4 longbed/dead by hurricane MEANING OF DEATH::::: SOMEBODY ELSE GETS YOUR STUFF DONT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU THINK TAKE MY ADVISE;I DON'T USE IT ANYWAY

01-05-2009, 11:32 PM	#7
j_cst_10 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 575	Re: welding heater control You can try tig welding it with no filler rod, or try brazing which would be plenty strong.



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