Since I have cut out much of the inner skeleton from the wagon roof, there would definitely be some roofline flex under race conditions. And this would be further exaggerated by running a plastic windshield instead of a glass one. So I welded in a few braces between the rollcage and the A-pillars, and then between the main hoop and the roof itself. I’m taking a friend’s Lincoln SP-125 MIG for a test drive while I figure out what kind of welder I’m going to buy. So far I like it a lot.
Thanks for the info, Umai. This older Lincoln 125 also has the variable settings instead of just a few steps, which I like as well. A few guys have told me to look for a good condition, used, older one over the new models for that reason. Troy
I have a Millermatic 135 with gas kit and it works great. The primary feature that made me choose it over the Lincoln was the infinitely variable speed and voltage settings. The comparable Lincoln used step voltage adjuster.
My buddy uses this to do roll cages at his shop.
Looks like Miller has a new 140 model to replace the 135 which has some fancy autoset features.
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_140_autoset/
I’ve found the best deals up here in WA at Praxair on new welders.