Hi, I have a crack in the joint of the exhaust on my '48 Indian Chief. The exhaust is chromed. It is on an edge and the metal is fairly thin, so I'm wondering if I can (1) TIG braze it (silicon bronze) over the chrome, (2) carefully grind off a small amount of the chrome and braze it, or (3) grind it and TIG weld it, which would likely require replating the whole piece. What is attractive to me about brazing is that it is done at a lower heat, so I'm less likely to burn the edge, and it would look good enough as well. Being an old twin, it shakes a lot, but I've largely fixed the shaking problem on the exhaust and think the brazing should be strong enough. Of course, if I screw it up, I can still get a new part and it isn't the end of the world, but it would be good to fix it. Thanks for any guidance on what will work, and exactly how to do it.
Are you a decent welder and do you have access to a good MIG machine? If so, you might want to read the article whose link is below, and consider using that technique.
Back when I was learning how to do most things, from catching lizards and snakes, to mechanics (fixing 3-speed hubs > rebuilding engines), to welding or bee-keeping, there was no internet to pose questions on. If it couldn't be found in a manual or some other book, usually the best was to find out if an idea worked was to try it. Even if you know it will, often practice gives better results on the final, real attempt. Any chance you could use some similarly plated scrap to play with?
And of course, take pictures...lots of good pictures... then post them here, 'cause we always like good pictures to both entertain and educate us, plus to prove it actually happened!
I'd start by asking your chrome shop what they recommend as far as a base weld to rechrome over. I don't know if SiBronze is problematic for rechroming or not.
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Miller Suitcase MIG
Miller Spectrum 2050
Miller Syncrowave 250DX
Lincoln 210MP
and be sure to wear appropriate PPE. Hexavalent Chromium is not something to be taken lightly. Even if you can't see fumes, doesn't mean it isn't vaporized and released into the air.
Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR"
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