On-board Welder (OBW)

[pauledude]

Did you ever get this working? I have done it on one of my 4x4 trucks. I can give some info.

We use Ford alternators that are externally regulated. no need to mod the alternator, and it can be replaced easy. Autozone lifetime warranty has been used once.

Run the welding leads ground as directly to the case of the welding alternator as possible. The swing bolt could be a good place. Also when you weld put the ground clamp as close to your work as possible. carefull not to cross any bearings with weld current.

This is a high freqency welder. welds a little diferent than a standard stick. but you will get used to it. We are thinking about putting a house dimmer on the field to fine tune and trying to tig with it, just for the cool factor.

You can also run a grinder off of the welder. easy way is to make a cord and clamp the weld leads to it. You can't use a cheep grinder for this. Dewalt or Millwalkee are designed to run on DC.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

I never got it working. Once I got the bracket all fabbed and painted, I realized there is not enough room between the alternator and firewall. The bracket should work on a 96+ vortec V8 equipped van though. I ended up getting the hydraulics going instead.