BarneyPenny

Hey everyone, I am in the process of restoring an '89 foxbody mustang. On one side, the hinge of the convertible top is broken. There is a piece that holds the front of the top up, so that when the top is being put back on, it falls in the right position. It probably supports about 30 pounds of weight, but only for a few seconds at a time. That piece is broken, so the hinge is now falling in the wrong position and needs to be supported by hand when it is being put down. I have heard you cannot simply weld this metal. I have very good ability and resources for welding both steel and aluminum. The problem is, I am told this is neither. What do you all recommend for fixing this. It probably supports too much weight to JB weld or Epoxy it, and I'd prefer a better fix than that anyway.

jwog666

the problem with any of those fixes is that you are taking something that was 1 piece before and making it 1 piece again with a failure point where the weld/braze is. it will fail in that exact spot again. you will be better off replacing the part, or assembly

BarneyPenny

The problem is, to replace that assembly I would have to replace the entirety of the convertible top bows.

jwog666

thems the breaks kid lol

Chromeshadow

Is it magnetic? Btw, Jwog has never been wrong to my knowledge, I would try to weld it if it is magnetic. The actual weld is usually stronger than the original metal, but the area around it will probably we weaker and break next to the weld. Brazing will not hold it. Is there a way to add a gusset or strengthen it with additional metal?

BarneyPenny

I'll try to get pictures of it, but the thing about it is, it's rather thick metal, so welding wouldn't be an issue, I was just under the impression that this type of metal couldn't be arc welded due to the alloy. I'm gonna try running some beads on the broken piece that came off. I'll let you guys know how it goes.