What "field repair" stock metal should I pack?

[Jim]

Having the welder (and angle grinder) on the jeep one bit of kit is yet to be stocked - spare / scrap / repair metal stock that could come in handy for a repair.

What should I pack? I'm looking for ideas before I seal the pipe.

I'm looking at placing a 2" PVC pipe in the tube just behind the front bumper. Whatever fits - can be packed - if it doesn't fit - unlikely I'd carry it. The tube likely will be like a time capsule - fully sealed at both ends and to open it, to use the contents, one of the ends will need to be cut off (angle grinder). The goal is to have a container that will minimize rust for the metal contained within. I'll probably add some desiccant packs to help. If a screw cap end can offer the ability to seal / reduce rust, a screw cap would be considered.

I added some flat stock, some 90deg angle stock, and a section of rebar. James (Finocj) commented upon some all-thread so a few sizes with some washers and nuts are in the mix. The plumbing pipe is my idea of a broken tie-rod splint. Hopefully the pipe diameter is large enough for most tie rods to fit within. Splint it over a broken tie-rod and ratchet strap the tie rod together, the pipe will keep the tie rod straight / usable and not buckle.

https://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2024-09-02--metal-stock-for-repairs/1.jpg

https://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2024-09-02--metal-stock-for-repairs/2.jpg

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https://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2024-09-02--metal-stock-for-repairs/5.jpg

https://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2024-09-02--metal-stock-for-repairs/6.jpg

https://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2024-09-02--metal-stock-for-repairs/7.jpg

[xaza]

you would be better off to have one end of pipe being threaded cap. Easy enough to reuse versus the pipe getting shorter each time. PVC will seal pretty well by itself but a little bit of teflon tape will make it 100% waterproof.

[FINOCJ]

I would not do a welded up container.....if you can thread a cap on with Teflon tape, I think that would be much better. Honestly, I'd even be good with some sort of push in plastic cap and a bit or rtv or whatever. I'd worry more about keeping the pieces of metal relatively dry inside the metal tube with either plastic wrap or similar. My best idea would be to vacuum seal the items in plastic using one of those freezer food storage type deals, but not everyone has one of those sitting around. If you have the pieces sealed in plastic wrap, then any old end cap will work for the bumper tube. Also, I think the 3 most important pieces of metal stock would be some angle iron, some round bar and some square tube.... 1" square tube is the one I didn't see in your collection.

Sorry not getting back faster yesterday....engine build was happening and taking all my attention with details etc....after some hassle with stripping the crank bolt threads and helicoil repair etc, heads are on and now waiting on proper crank rotation tool to arrive in a couple days to set valve lash etc....not going to put any un-needed additional stress on those threads using the crank bolt.

[newracer]

As others said a threaded end would be much better. You can also spray the metal with WD40 or other light oil to prevent rust.

Your choice of stock looks plenty good to me. Maybe add a smaller piece of angle iron.

[Jim]

The tube's in place - screw caps at both ends. The PVC tube is loose in the metal tube / frame so tightening / removing the screw ends might be curious.

https://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2024-09-02--metal-stock-for-repairs/6.jpg

https://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2024-09-02--metal-stock-for-repairs/7.jpg

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https://www.jimwilliamson.net/automobile/2024-09-02--metal-stock-for-repairs/9.jpg

[xaza]

you could try some silicone caulk to hold it in place better. It would be easy enough to cut back out should you need to remove tube.

[snoopy]

you could try some silicone caulk to hold it in place better. It would be easy enough to cut back out should you need to remove tube.And pack a small tarp with bungees in case of impending rain.

[Jim]

:D

ya know what was missing that day - the trailside tailgate - burgers, brats, beer. That would have been a party.