Question about welding BC Coilovers

[ChefSkinny]

I was set on H&R Race / Bilstein Sports but after seeing the BC Coils think I'm going to give them a go.

My question is obviously the weld of the coil to the strut housing is a pretty critical one, where do I go to get this done, and what can I expect to pay? Does it align itself and it just needs to be welded really well?

[AndrewBird]

You don't weld the spring to the strut housing, you weld a collar to the strut housing that the adjuster/spring sits on.

[ChefSkinny]

^^ Thanks

Anyone have any experience getting it done?

[immajackuup]

search it on r3v and also buy the kit from this dude. 900 plus he throw in the adjustable link.

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1776167

[ChefSkinny]

Pretty sure the price is $995

Thats who I am looking at purchasing from, but if it's going to cost me $200 to get it welded and have to worry about it, I may not.

[!kid]

You don't weld the spring to the strut housing, you weld a collar to the strut housing that the adjuster/spring sits on.

I belive your thinking of a GC style coilover. The BC coilovers are not the same. Stock strut housing gets cut down And than the whole coilover body gets welded to basically the spindle. That's why OP is asking about the critical welding that would need to be done.

OP check e30tech.com few good write up about the BC set ups there.

[ChefSkinny]

Just checked e30tech, looks pretty involved. As far as I can tell, you cut the knuckle down, and the BC Coil body slides over top of the knuckle, which you then weld the 2 parts together. Anyone have an idea what a machine shop would charge to do this? Will be a big factor for me.

[jaywood]

Just checked e30tech, looks pretty involved. As far as I can tell, you cut the knuckle down, and the BC Coil body slides over top of the knuckle, which you then weld the 2 parts together. Anyone have an idea what a machine shop would charge to do this? Will be a big factor for me.

Use a hacksaw...it's not difficult at all. It doesn't have to look pretty, the BC housing slides over it and hides the ugly cut. Weld it on to the knuckle and bam, you're done.

[immajackuup]

Pretty sure the price is $995

Thats who I am looking at purchasing from, but if it's going to cost me $200 to get it welded and have to worry about it, I may not.

i got got couple quote from mechanic shop that want to charge me 300,200,and 125. if you want the cheapest go to a muffler shop which i wouldn't trust.

[jaywood]

Find someone local to weld it for you! A friend maybe?

[FLG]

Friend of mine stick welded it for me....no issues.

Its got some stress but not as much stress as you would think due to the 50mm piece that you leave on the knuckle and the bc coil is almost a nearly a fit onto that.

[Madhatter]

You should really heat the cast cherry red to get a nice weld between the two though.



Normally you would heat the whole axle in an oven, but I dont have an oven big enough, so oxy + mig welding in sections, stopping to move/reheat the section to be welded is good enough. Weld isnt one pretty line, but the penetration is good.



:)

[ChefSkinny]

I don't have any friends, why do you think I'm on this forum?

Think I may just go Billy / H&R Race, cheers

[jaywood]

I don't have any friends, why do you think I'm on this forum?

Think I may just go Billy / H&R Race, cheers

Buy yourself a HF mig welder. There is sooo much you can do with a welder

[ChefSkinny]

whats a HF Mig welder? I have a little flux core MIG, but I wouldn't trust it or my abilities on more than bodywork, small braces etc.