Hobart GPB-257. I think I might be a Hobart-aholic.

[MilitiaMetals]

Made a deal on this beauty today, runs and welds. Has the Willy's engine. Auto-idle needs work, functioning via a tarp strap at the moment.

Curious to know the year of it, any idea?

This Hobart number 3 for me in the last year LOL

[MilitiaMetals]

Upon a little research, I have found a manual online! They refer to it simply as a G257 and apparently it's a "Pipeliner" machine.

https://archive.org/details/HobartPi...e/n11/mode/1up

[MilitiaMetals]

Some interesting pages from the manual

[MilitiaMetals]

Wife might castrate me, found 2 more Hobarts today lol

[Welder Dave]

Interesting machines, especially the one with the generator turned 90 deg's. to the gas engine. Play dumb when someone comes looking for the gas tank for their boat.

[MilitiaMetals]

Well the guy with the grey one wants wayyyyy too much. I made a deal on the one that has the generator pulled off the engine.

[MilitiaMetals]

On the way home!

[MilitiaMetals]

Went to fire her up, outta gas!

To do list:

Rebuild starter(slow, has a dead spot)
Replace lower rad hose
Pull rheostat and rebuild or replace
Build a gas tank (eventually )
Fix idle control

Idle control is not functioning, previous owners "bypassed" it with a tarp strap LOL

This system is just a "push and hold" solenoid, power is supplied via the welder, is it 12volts DC or 120v DC? I think it's faulty, looking to replace it or investigate further with tips/info from you experts as I'm out of my expertise in this particular area.



It's wired into this block with a coil around some type of core, what is it?



Anyone have schematics or information pertaining to this system.

[Sparkie1957]

Check in tomorrow and let us know your wife’s reaction. That is, if your still alive. I love those old Hobart welders. Such style, my favorite is the 6 cyl Chrysler powered ones. I’ve only got one old 1966 SA200


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MilitiaMetals]

And definitely getting rid of that disgusting looking exhaust!

[MilitiaMetals]

Check in tomorrow and let us know your wife’s reaction. That is, if your still alive. I love those old Hobart welders. Such style, my favorite is the 6 cyl Chrysler powered ones. I’ve only got one old 1966 SA200


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Still alive and no castration either Up to 7 welders now.

[MilitiaMetals]

Tested it with 12v applied directly to the terminals without success. Pulled it apart and found the supply wiring shot and shorting, ran new wiring to the solenoid. Tested again and success! Just have to redo bushing on the operating rod and lever as it sticks a little.



Starter has given up, needs a rebuild, will send it away next week.

[N2 Welding]

Looks good and complete this time less the side vented doors. Thumbs up.

[Sparkie1957]

Still alive and no castration either Up to 7 welders now.

Sometimes you have to get on your knees, grab a cheek in each hand and start kissing! End of the day you have your welders. Well played sir!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MilitiaMetals]

Looks good and complete this time less the side vented doors. Thumbs up.

It's a "pipeliner" didn't come with doors or electric start from the factory.

[MilitiaMetals]

Threw her on the War Rig so it's easier to work on.....and see what she looks like I'm torn on how I'll mount it when she's done, lengthways like this vs sideways directly over the rear diff.

[N2 Welding]

Not that it should make much difference but I’m thinking mounted like that gives you longer sides on each side, could potentially offer less wind drag for a 1/2 mpg gain and maybe just maybe will make it more stable with the weight being centered. This is all just me thinking out loud on my random theories. Never mind me.

[MilitiaMetals]

Not that it should make much difference but I’m thinking mounted like that gives you longer sides on each side, could potentially offer less wind drag for a 1/2 mpg gain and maybe just maybe will make it more stable with the weight being centered. This is all just me thinking out loud on my random theories. Never mind me.

Before putting it on like this I was worried I wouldn't be able to reach the controls easily, I was pleasantly surprised, plenty comfortable. Yes the longer sides would be very beneficial!. I think it looks better like this too.

[MilitiaMetals]

Pulled the starter, have sent it in for a rebuild. Should have it by the end of the week. Planning on retrofitting a GM 1 wire alternator as well. Have switched to a negative ground. Had hoped to hear the dang thing run, oh well, soon enough!

[John T]

Pulled the starter, have sent it in for a rebuild. Should have it by the end of the week!

Well glad to hear you are outsourcing some work.

With all the old iron I was starting to wonder how you got any work done ...

[MilitiaMetals]

Lol truthfully my projects usually take longer than expected. These projects are my only real hobby other than varmint hunting. Some of the welders may not be worked on for a long time, I collect too. If it’s cheap and interesting I usually can’t resist picking them up!

[MilitiaMetals]

Well glad to hear you are outsourcing some work.

With all the old iron I was starting to wonder how you got any work done ...

Plus for $70 and parts, hard to say no to an expert rebuilding it, especially when you know the guy does quality work. Also I've never done a starter before

[MilitiaMetals]

Well the armature is shot in my starter, Can't find one in western Canada, let alone a starter! Have a few people on the hunt for me. In the meantime I guess it's back to the '45 Hobart.

[guajilloweld03]

This place can repair it.

[Steve_12]

Studying such old products, it becomes clear that previously manufacturers were not burdened by the issue of economic consumption of fuel. The main thing is durability and quality. Now the priorities in manufacturing have changed. Probably, there are some positive and negative sides to it.