On a federal level, it’s legal to weld a frame. However, the law recommends you must follow the manufacturer’s specifications and guidelines. At the local and state level, the rules may be different. Therefore, it’s always good to consult a legal professional before you start welding. This article will also give you a view of some other state’s laws.
Is Welding Truck Frame Legal?
Welding a truck frame is legal in most states if done according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s legal to solder any vehicle unless it’s a passenger carrying-vehicle. However, for commercial vehicles like trucks, you can weld following the set guidelines. There are two main weld types best suited for a car: tungsten inert gas (TIG) and Metal inert gas (MIG).
TIG method uses rods to directly bond two metals together. TIG doesn’t fit truck welding as its best suits thinner metal rods. On the other hand, MIG tends to be easier to use, correct, and better for thicker welds. It uses a filler material to bond two metals. MIG is more preferred than TIG as it can work with thicker welds and able to fix minor errors quickly.
Chassis Welding Repairs
There are some regulations to follow to ensure safety on the road. Engineers want all the truck modifications and repairs done correctly because of their liability as certifiers. Therefore, you need to involve a certifier from the beginning of the repairing process.
The legality of welding a rusted truck frame depends on the different states. It is only legal if a qualified welder does the job, a certified engineer inspects and then installs a modification plate. The documentary required is a roadworthy certificate in some states and a modification permit before any alterations on the frame.
Another condition is that fish plates should fit over joints. This insurance policy ensures you minimize stress on the welded joints and prevent cracking. Again, use a fish plate whose thickness isn’t greater than 1.5 times that of parent material: as thick material welded on a thin one can increase load leading to cracking at a weak point.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) puts forward the following on welding;
- Each commercial motor vehicle’s frame or chassis shall not have a crack be loose, sagging, or broken.
- Bolts or brackets securing the cab or the vehicle’s body to the frame must not be loose, broken, or missing.
- The frame rail flanges shall not be bent, cut, or notched, except as specified by the manufacturer.
- Should not weld parts and accessories to the frame or chassis of a commercial motor vehicle except under the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. Any welded repair of the structure must also be following the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.
- No drilling holes in the top or bottom rail flanges, except as specified by the manufacturer
Is it Legal to Weld a Truck Frame in P.A.?
In P.A., they have strict inspections though it’s legal to weld a truck a frame. The law states that all repairs to the structure must be permanent; no tape, tar paper allowed. It’s best to use fish plates as reinforcement.
Check this too: How Much Raptor Liner Do I Need For A Whole Truck?
Will a Welded Frame Pass Inspection in N.Y.?
A frame will pass inspection if done by a professional welder and lacks cracks or hanging items on the area.
Will a Patched Frame Pass Inspection?
A patched frame will pass inspection depending on the state as follows;
| State | What they inspect |
|
Pennsylvania |
Inspect any tape, tar paper. The patched frame will pass if done permanently. |
|
Texas |
They have no restrictions on the patched frame; ensure you follow the vehicle manufacturer’s guidelines. |
| New Zealand | It will no pass if chassis repair doesn’t follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, material specifications, and the intended repair process’s compatibility to material specifications. |
| Vermont | Any patches, welds or repairs, done to a frame or unibody, which meet manufacturer recommendations, specifications, or requirements are permissible for inspection. |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | A truck will not pass inspection if- welded, modified, or repaired in a way that does not meet manufactures standards, bent, broken or cracked, perforated or separated due to corrosion, between mount and frame member, rusted or corroded to a depth sufficient to become weakened. |
Laws of Different States on Welding of Tuck Frames
- In New Zealand, they don’t recommend the welding of any vehicle even after a collision. The Land Transport Rule: Frontal Impact (2001) does not allow an A-frame to be fitted to a car if the A-frame would adversely affect the performance of any frontal impact protection features (such as airbags or crumple zones – s2.2(1) of the rule).’
- Therefore, the A-fame only complies with the Frontal Impact Rule if it’s attached to the vehicle’s chassis by other means other than welding.
- Heavy vehicle repair of parts like the chassis requires one to have a vehicle specialist certification.
- Northern Territory Government of Australia recommends;
- a qualified welder should do all welding
- Present an engineering certification to confirm that the repairs or modifications will not compromise the vehicle’s strength or compliance with the vehicle standards.
- Other repairs should follow the manufactures permit and prove safety on the road.
- According to the Canada Authority, the frame of a motor vehicle or a motorcycle shall not flex, be cracked, welded, or have fatigue points to the extent that these defects indicate the structure has suffered.
- There is no restriction on welding in Texas; if correctly done, they inspect any cracked, broken, loose, or sagging frame.
- Operating a commercial vehicle (bus, large truck, 18-wheeler, etc.) on a highway with a welded frame is not technically allowed, per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Title 49: Subtitle B.
- The FMCSA also states that “no drilling holes in the top or bottom rail flanges, except as specified by the manufacturer,” which is a common thread between commercial and light-duty consumer vehicles. Once you cut the vehicle’s frame rails, re-welded, drill, or otherwise modify or repair, there is a possibility that the car may no longer be allowed to drive on the highway.
Conclusion
Different states have varying laws concerning cracked truck frames, rusted, welded for trucks or commercial vehicles. All laws guide safety on our roads and ensure one is liable for their actions. Follow the set guidelines on frame repair and modifications to avoid collision with the law.