I have searched and read all past posts. I need to install new multi-leaf perches, What works best to cut off the old? grinder with cutting wheel? maybe lay wet towels around perches to keep temp down and not warp, doing in small segments also?

Then when welding, using the same towels to absorb heat, but also weld in small stints like welding sheetmetal? I would be using a MIG welder. I just cannot find a shop around that can do it, and will do it right for sure.
Thanks

Grinding the welds would be the safest way to remove them. I don't think the heat from grinding would effect anything. Be carefull not to gouge the axle tubes. I don't think welding the new ones will cause much problems. I wouldn't worry about making short welds, just tack them on good and weld one side and move to the other one and weld one side. Then go back and finish both of them. Be sure to take your welds past the ends of the spring brackets to prevent cracks in the ends of the welds. Take your time and be sure all of your angles are right. You may want to add some braces to strengthen them.

I had this done on an old '67 12 bolt. A friend did it for me'cause he "knew how", and when he was done not even Peyton Chassis could straighten the tubes. He ( my friend) used a stick welder, most likely should have used a MIG or even TIG. I feel some reasonable attention should be paid to heat flux/intensity, based on my bad experience. :cool:

Rob

Thanks for the warning Rob, I am going to treat it like welding sheetmetal, small iterations, and I think my "towel" heatsinks should help a bit too. Better to be over cautious than sorry.
Jerry

Don't be too cautious and run your welds too cold. It would be better to warp the tubes a little than to have the mounts break off because you didn't get good penetration. The reason I recommend making one long weld down each side is because each time you stop and restart you have a cold spot with very little penetration. I have seen these mounts ripped off with the hot factory welds. A cold weld will not hold up.