wrapping up my slider install - need some input

[MadCityRich]

My HD-SKO sliders are now installed on my '02 4Runner. Stubbs has some very nice craftsmanship. Painted with POR-15, covered by hammer finish rattle can.

I need to finish up the painting on the arms and weld/frame. What's holding me back is a question about the welds. The welding shop I used did a very nice job with the welding, but we only welded the vertical parts of the scab plates. The welder could not get his welding torch up to the top of the sliders. He suggested not welding the bottom of the sliders in order to allow any possible water to percolate down (this would be a tight fit for water, but whatever). The welds seem perfectly stout - we lifted each side of the 4runner by the sliders and had zero contact with the pinch weld. That there are holes in the frame behind the scab plates, in a few cases, suggests water is going to percolate anyway.

I see lots of slider pics where it appears that the welds are going all around the scab plate - top, bottom, and sides. I'm not sure whether it's worth the effort to try to find a welder who can get the tops welded or not. I'm OK with keeping them as-is and painting things up. Frankly, finish the painting with POR-15 will mean that the sliders are pretty much sealed up anyway.

I'm looking for some input on best practice, whether welding the tops and bottoms is important, or whether I'm potentially opening myself up to a future problem by not welding all around. Again, they seem plenty strong as is.

Thanks,

MadCityRich
'02 4Runner

 

[Dous]

I welded all the way around mine, but maybe give Richard a call at Stubbs Welding, he loves to chat, and is very knowledgeable

 

[absalom]

I would probably weld the bottom at the very least. If you think about it tho, there is very little downward force on your sliders, apart from people standing on them to get in. So in my opinion, you could leave the tops unwelded without much risk. Any pulling force on the welds will be an upwards direction on your sliders, putting stress on the bottom and side welds.

 

[blonde1boarder]

I'd like a few more opinions on this topic. I'm about the weld on some BAMF sliders on my 97' and the small holes on the frame are making me a little nervous. Rust the scab plates off from the inside.

 

[junr]

hey blonde1, I'm about to install my BAMF sliders as well. I had planned on welding the plate first, then legs and the gussets.

I didn't mock anything up as of yet, are you saying the plates are located near some holes in the frame?

junr

 

[shadow247]

Weld the bottom, and use some paintable flexible seam sealer on the top unwelded part. That should keep any water out. I would recommend using a Zinc Etching primer before painting.

 

[blonde1boarder]

hey blonde1, I'm about to install my BAMF sliders as well. I had planned on welding the plate first, then legs and the gussets.

I didn't mock anything up as of yet, are you saying the plates are located near some holes in the frame?

junr

Ya there are a couple holes that are partially or completely covered by the frame plates. I'm thinking maybe I'll try to smear something in there from the opposite side to seal it all up. Chances are it won't ever be a problem.

 

[junr]

Ya there are a couple holes that are partially or completely covered by the frame plates. I'm thinking maybe I'll try to smear something in there from the opposite side to seal it all up. Chances are it won't ever be a problem.

ok, thanks. I'll see if there is a way to get some primer or something in there to aid in keeping rust from starting.

good luck with your install.

junr