During my ownership of somewhat older cars I have done my share of welding.
However my MG Midget did not have an ECU or other electronics, so apart from removing the battery leads what other precautions are necessary?
Dave
I just remove the battery earth and make sure it is securely out of the way of the battery pole.
Always considered this belt and braces to avoid an issue but there have been a number of unfortunate incidents where battery left connected and electrical damage occured with welding.
I think you are far more likely to set the car on fire so have water sprayers handy and a bucket of water.
I burnt a hole in my Golf diesel plastic fuel pipe. The leaking fuel caught the car and me on fire. I still am not sure how either of us survived relatively unscathed.
As you would expect people have differing opinions as to what best to do. Apparently if you disconnect everything and remove the wiring loom you will not incur electrical damage and can celebrate by setting it on fire
Also over and above disconnecting the battery you are advised to disconnect the alternator.
I MIG welded my mk1 3 times with a surge protector across the battery, no other disconnections, worked just fine. Quite major sill work too, was at it for hours.
My protector is a Draper 39107, paid about 20 quid.
I used to faff around with disconnections, but the only time I blew an ECU was after lazily reconnecting a corroded earth after a clutch change on a Golf.
When I did my chassis rails :-
Removed battery, disconnected alternator, stood a CO2 fire extinguisher near and handy and
KEEP YOUR MOBILE PHONE WITHIN REACH. e.g. Wrap in a rag in your top pocket.
&
cold burn spray.
bucket of cold water
cold beer
In dire emergency you can pour the beer on the burn … but only in dire emergency.