How to fit lincoln sa200 in bed of truck...

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Just wondering if there is a way around cutting into bed of truck, in order to fit welder against cab (from left to right). the exciter cap/brushes stick out past the base, making fitting into my bed impossible, without cutting part of bed. let me know if you have run into this problem and what you did to avoid. if I make a base for the welder to sit on, because of the size of the welder, I'm concerned that THAT will put the welder up too high in the air.I'm not against cutting into the bed if necessary, but thought I'd check if anyone else had ideas. Thanks!
Reply:They will fit in a ford superduty cross ways.  It's tight but it will clearance itself in not time.Local 597 PipefittersCertified stick and tig pipe welderLincoln Ranger 305g - for saleMiller 185 migMiller Digital Elite
Reply:Its goin in a 08 Durimax.
Reply:Good luck!  I've only seen them fit in a chevy long ways.  I'm not saying it can't be done as anything is possible, but.........have you thought about getting a flatbed for your truck?Local 597 PipefittersCertified stick and tig pipe welderLincoln Ranger 305g - for saleMiller 185 migMiller Digital Elite
Reply:try taking the cap off for a little extra clearance and putting it in at an angle, then staighten it out once its in .... once the machine is in you can replace the capmy dad had the same proble and he took off the cap  and fabbed a new one that was shoter and it goes in pretty good.
Reply:SA 200's are meant to be run with the side doors ON, for proper air draft to cool the generator and engine.  To mount one like you want (I've seen them)  could create some PITA problems.  If you mount it with the controls on the left side of the truck, how do you check/add oil, change filter?  With the doors on, you'd have to remove the machine from the truck bed to do so.  If you mount it with controls on the right side, not such a big deal.  However,  regardless of which direction you mount it, you're going to be interrupting the air flow from the cooling fan.  The Radiator will be below the bed rail (somewhat) and it won't cool properly.  A hint.  It's enough of a PITA to check the oil on the "Pipeliners".  Got to swing the side door open.  I solved that.  I cut a door with my plasma cutter directly where the oil filler tube and dip stick are located.  I welded a piano hinge on one side,  a stop on the other, and a gravity latch to keep the door closed.  See pic below.  Wonder why Lincoln has never done this.  I recommend you consider removing the P/U bed and store it.  Fab up a nice flat bed with some tool boxes above and below the bed.  Would serve you much better.Good luck.

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Reply:Those machines run year after year in pickup beds, sideways. I'd guess that more tham half of them in mainline construction haven't had doors on them for many years, mine certainly doesn't and it spends quite a bit of time working in 110+ degree weather. On some pickups they'll fit with a short cover, on others they won't.JTMcC.
Reply:

Originally Posted by paweldor

SA 200's are meant to be run with the side doors ON, for proper air draft to cool the generator and engine.  To mount one like you want (I've seen them)  could create some PITA problems.  If you mount it with the controls on the left side of the truck, how do you check/add oil, change filter?  With the doors on, you'd have to remove the machine from the truck bed to do so.  If you mount it with controls on the right side, not such a big deal.  However,  regardless of which direction you mount it, you're going to be interrupting the air flow from the cooling fan.  The Radiator will be below the bed rail (somewhat) and it won't cool properly.  A hint.  It's enough of a PITA to check the oil on the "Pipeliners".  Got to swing the side door open.  I solved that.  I cut a door with my plasma cutter directly where the oil filler tube and dip stick are located.  I welded a piano hinge on one side,  a stop on the other, and a gravity latch to keep the door closed.  See pic below.  Wonder why Lincoln has never done this.  I recommend you consider removing the P/U bed and store it.  Fab up a nice flat bed with some tool boxes above and below the bed.  Would serve you much better.Good luck.
Reply:You can get hung up on doors if you want. I belong to a organization of over 2000 pipe line welders and I can assure you close to half of those 200's haven't had the doors on them for years.We commonly weld in outside temps over 115, many days over 120 degrees (just about any location on the river will top 125 during the summer), week after week. The fact is the machines won't overheat without doors running in the 200 amp area 12 hours/day, 7 days/week.I'm aware that Lincoln has said they will in printed literature since the 50's, but I'm not basing my take on what I've read.If a SA-200 welds different with the doors off, it isn't in good working condition and needs a little attention. Cleaning it up will help a lot, if the rear main seepage has put a film of oil (which attracts dirt) on the generator the machine needs a cleanin.Doors on these machines don't need clearance to swing open, there is almost never that room on a welding bed. That's why everybody replaces the hinge pins with quick pins.JTMcC.
Reply:Here's a picture of the modified cover on one of my machines. It was like this when I bought it so at some point in it's life it resided in a pickup bed.Even with a short cap, they won't fit sideways in some beds.JTMcC.

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Reply:

Originally Posted by JTMcC

You can get hung up on doors if you want. I belong to a organization of over 2000 pipe line welders and I can assure you close to half of those 200's haven't had the doors on them for years.We commonly weld in outside temps over 115, many days over 120 degrees (just about any location on the river will top 125 during the summer), week after week. The fact is the machines won't overheat without doors running in the 200 amp area 12 hours/day, 7 days/week.I'm aware that Lincoln has said they will in printed literature since the 50's, but I'm not basing my take on what I've read.If a SA-200 welds different with the doors off, it isn't in good working condition and needs a little attention. Cleaning it up will help a lot, if the rear main seepage has put a film of oil (which attracts dirt) on the generator the machine needs a cleanin.Doors on these machines don't need clearance to swing open, there is almost never that room on a welding bed. That's why everybody replaces the hinge pins with quick pins.JTMcC.
Reply:Im not concerned about "PITA". I flattened the cap and got some rubber door frame strips to seal it at the cap when I cut a hole in the inside wall of my bed. thought about a flatbed but i would rather have a "sleeper rig". And I wouldnt dream of setting it long in the bed. Set down yer banjo. cant show up lookin like a plow boy. thanks fellas
Reply:Doors are more usefull in cold weather than in hot. Out on the frozen tundra they'll help keep snow from packing aroung the machine when the wind is blowing at 45 per.Plus when you're running a coolant heater and a magnetic oil pan heater or two they help keep the heat in instead of that same 45 mile per hour breeze blowing it away almost as fast as it's being applied. But there are thousands of the old dogs out there that have been working hard for 30 or 40 years without for me to get all hurt over it. In fact I know of a sweet old 1955 that will still hang in the firing line with the best of them, that's about 54 years of life so far, with an overhaul about every 20 years and yup, you guessed it......no doors

and yet, the world continues to revolve on it's axis. One big advantage to no doors is that it opens up what is a very large blind spot on most welding rigs right behind the truck. I spent all of '08 with either a Classic II or a Vantage on my truck and I do kind of miss the additional rear visibility I have with my '80 200 on the rig.KChoat if you put it in lengthwise everybody will peg you for a Bakersfield oil patch oakie

Some of you crotchety old geezers that go thu life thinking there is your way....and the wrong way, well I just bet you dudes were a real barrel of laughs to work with, not.JTMcC.
Reply:Ya long ways aint hapnin. and im not pullin my doors, spent a grip getn the sheetmetal powdercoated and im guna show'er off. Im used to the okie looks. ever pulled up to a pipe job in a kenworth?  Safety glasses are the only thing keepin eyeballs from hitn dirt. Makes me smile.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:

Originally Posted by JTMcC

Some of you crotchety old geezers that go thu life thinking there is your way....and the wrong way, well I just bet you dudes were a real barrel of laughs to work with, not.JTMcC.
Reply:

Originally Posted by KChoate

. . . And I wouldnt dream of setting it long in the bed. Set down yer banjo. cant show up lookin like a plow boy. thanks fellas
Reply:

Originally Posted by denrep

I need a clue. What's wrong with mounting the welder lengthwise in the bed? With the welder lengthwise rather than sideways, the weight can be centered over the axle, both sides and the control panel end are accessible, and the radiator probably is open to more air flow. When loaded lengthwise the machine is much easier to service and place. Also, the exciter end and radiator guard doesn't have to be beat-up loading it. Did I mention rear visibility?Radiator left, hampers access to check on the  air-cleaner, mag, carb etc. Radiator right, hampers access to check oil, tension belt etc.Lengthwise leaves everything accessible, including the exciter.My question:Is lengthwise  not desired just because someone may think it doesn't look "right" or is there some logical argument for not mounting the welder that way?

Good Luck
Reply:

Originally Posted by paweldor

I  Us "old geezers" as you put it, have been there, done that.  Probably more so than YOU ever will.   Bet if I put you in a repair welding environment, one where you'd BETTER know what rod to choose, how to identify the base material you're about to repair, and the proper welding technique, you'd be lost. .
Reply:

Originally Posted by denrep

I need a clue. What's wrong with mounting the welder lengthwise in the bed? Good Luck
Reply:Well, JT, I'm and old "geezer" alright. And I really don't give a damn which way you set your machine on your truck or whether you use doors or not. I don't subscribe to the "my way or no way" deal. You paid for your equipment, use it and treat it however you want. I'll do the same. I rigged my trucks so they were convienent for me to work off of, not because some joker might laugh at it because it didn't fit his notion of a welding rig.I just pointed out that Lincoln designed them to be used with doors. I didn't say they would self-destruct when run without doors. I have a sneaky suspicion that Lincoln knows a little bit more about designing welding machines than you and I and all the other welders on this site combined. I'll stand by my statement that I can tell a difference in the way a machine welds with or without doors. I've had my say on the subject. No hard feeling and have a nice day.Last edited by Oldtimer; 02-21-2009 at 11:31 AM.
Reply:Ok,To slightly hijack, really not a hi jack but a little pondering on a point...Doors or no doors?I haven't seen any shorthoods with doors...Have I missed something?  Did they have them or not...If not, I would say that at least until major design changes came about, it would be okay to use without them.  Additionally, wouldn't they shields hold the heat in?Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:


Reply:

Originally Posted by lugweld

Ok,To slightly hijack, really not a hi jack but a little pondering on a point...Doors or no doors?I haven't seen any shorthoods with doors...Have I missed something?  Did they have them or not...If not, I would say that at least until major design changes came about, it would be okay to use without them.  Additionally, wouldn't they shields hold the heat in?
Reply:

Originally Posted by denrep

I need a clue. What's wrong with mounting the welder lengthwise in the bed? :Good Luck
Reply:

Originally Posted by paweldor

I like guys like you.  Us "old geezers" as you put it, have been there, done that.  Probably more so than YOU ever will.  I take it you're a pipeline welder.  Bet if I put you in a repair welding environment, one where you'd BETTER know what rod to choose, how to identify the base material you're about to repair, and the proper welding technique, you'd be lost.  I used to carry over $1000 worth of different rods on my rig, wasn't much I couldn't weld "in the field".  Also had MIG and TIG on my truck.Back to the doors on the SA200.  As I stated earlier, to each his own.  I chose to listen to the manufacturer.JT Your on it man. Brother in law with you any day. Never an argument about the doors. The doors stayed on like a white boy does it. Went in nice and tight. looks right. PAWANABE you can come play too! Repair or pipe! Im always lookin for a good burr b!t(h!!!!Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:heres some pics

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Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:

Originally Posted by KChoate

The kenworth IS a Heavy equip. repair rig. Its what I use in the AZ copper mines. 8000 pnd crane with wire and TIG. Your one of those punks that has to run TIG with a pedal arntcha!  Im schooled and have certs in stuff you have never seen.Aint some one trick pony, So watch your lip, stand back, and watch a pro.
Reply:

Originally Posted by KChoate

JT Your on it man. Brother in law with you any day. Never an argument about the doors. The doors stayed on like a white boy does it. Went in nice and tight. looks right. PAWANABE you can come play too! Repair or pipe! Im always lookin for a good burr b!t(h!!!!
Reply:Looks like the machine fit in there pretty well.  How much did it squat the truck down?  I had thought about getting an sa200 for my truck but I got a brand new lincoln 305g instead.  my machine only weighs about 600lbs so it hasn't affected the truck too much except to smooth the ride out some.  Could you get a picture of the machine from the back of the truck with the tailgate down?  Again, looking good!Local 597 PipefittersCertified stick and tig pipe welderLincoln Ranger 305g - for saleMiller 185 migMiller Digital Elite
Reply:A couple inches but it sat high in the rear. Ran to the store last night and it seemed to ride nice. Im on a old shcool kick. thats why i droped the redface in. The 305 is a good lil machine. I had a ranger 250 a few years back and traded it in when i got my vantage. every time i fire my TIG torch i kick myself. Ill get some more pics in the daylight.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:PAwelder if I jumped the gun then its my bad. You just rubbed me wrong.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:heres some more pics

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Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:Notice you cant see the cap. lil tight!

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Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:that's a tight fit for sure but it looks great!  That's one of the best looking restored machines I've seen.  Definitely a truck/rig to be proud ofLocal 597 PipefittersCertified stick and tig pipe welderLincoln Ranger 305g - for saleMiller 185 migMiller Digital Elite
Reply:While you are posting pics of your pipe rig, why dont you throw up a pic or two of that kenworth? Sorry I like looking at the pics..lolThanks
Reply:My kw is on the road but will be here tomarrow. Ill  have more pics tomarrow night. This one has my harley in it but doesnt show off the rig.Thanks shwinn! Its got a 3 core radiator so i think it should run fine. The guy that rebuilds these things is awsome. The whole thing is new from the ground up. He even put a high idle switch on the left side of the face. did it all right. I can send some pics of the inside if anybody wants to see.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:Forgot the pic!

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Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:Kchoate - You've shoo're got your stuff lookin' good!

Originally Posted by KChoate

. . . and im not pullin my doors, spent a grip getn the sheetmetal powdercoated and im guna show'er off. . .
Reply:Thank you. took a while to get here but were movin on up.not concerned about spacer pads or paint rubbing. you missed the point.If i have to pull my welder for any reason for more than an afternoon im whipin the mechanics greezy a$$.Notice the boom of the crane on the blue rig. thats how i change the oil and all that fun stuff. pressure guage lets me know if it needs attn.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:And to me it is a waste of a truck to lay it long ways. no room for tooling and cant haul my 5th wheel. And i know you dont get it but its about the look. You cant pull up to a big piping job and not look right. thats just not done. set up however you want. I wont kick dirt on your rig, but dont fault me for lookin good. I didnt get what i have by not getting the job done or not being slick.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:Oh ya, ran the leads though the face and made pigtails out the door so i wouldnt be messin with cam locks in that tight space. you can kinda see them in the last pic on 33Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:Not faulting you at all; you've spent some serious  time and bucks getting it lookin' real nice, may as well try keep it that way as long as possible. If you don't care about rubbing the premium paint work off, I guess I do miss the point of having it. Regardless, when the welder runs, the vibrations should be transmitted through the base if possible, because that type of sheet metal contact typically transmits vibrations that will actually shake stuff right apart.Maybe a top hatch for an occasional gander and oil check? The oil really should be sticked regularly; by the time the gauge indicates a problem it's too late. Then engine troubles can be compounded by dental problems, when we find out that the "greezy mechanic" aint so easy to whip.

Good Luck
Reply:He's old and soft. I see what your sayin bout it rubbin, but you wont see it until the welder comes out. Its 4 lil bolts to pull the whole top off.Air vantage 500 on the 08' KWharris torchesl25 pro suitcasecomletely restored 1969 SA200 redfaceon my 08' duramaxPIMPN AINT EASY
Reply:anyone know how set up an eagle 10,000 in f350 bed. is it sae to drill truck bed
Reply:hahaha!! oh my god you just threw up  being certifide and schooled on welding well that might work up there in them copper mines but if you pulled up on a pipeline and pulled out your "certifaction bull****" you would be laughed off that job.........and you can pull up on a big pipeline with a truck that dont look that good aint about how good your rig looks its about how good you make that weld look han...AINT NOTHIN FINER THAN A PIPELINERLast edited by soon2bpipelinewelder; 05-30-2010 at 05:04 PM.
Reply:Geez I just read this post. I have 4 pipeliners. There all tag a longs. I would never mount thoose beast in my trucks, plus they like to sit untill we need them. Mostly use rangers. Guess if you use it EVERYDAY(7 days) its worth all of that. But I like being able to flip up the covers and see whats going on in there. Not to mention(god forbid) they catch on fire

Which I have had happen to me. One time I had gas leaking on the mag and poof! Lucky someone was there to put it out because I was 200 ft away from the machine.
Reply:Sometimes we all do the same thing over and over... hmmm ok, NOT a pipeliner for sure... but born in San Antonio and lived in Marfa as a little guy, does that count. Ok, harder to do but what if?  You remove the inner sheet metal of the sidewalls of the bed from near the cab to maybe 1/2 way into the wheel well. Now build a small flatbed looking assy to fit that space. Next make a slide rack with bearings to roll the unit to the rear when needed. Mount that to the flatbed assy.You will have to be high enough to avoid the tires but, it gives you more face of the unit to see from the side which is a plus. It sits a bit higher in the bed 3-5"maybe?  A tape and twenty minutes will tell you the where and the how.  Finish it nicely with a new inner sidewall as needed and maybe custom cut a "tub" in reverse and make the wheel well look good as need be.Now, U can lock it down right next to the cab on the sliderack, but unlock it and slide it rear a foot+ to service it.  Seems easier than using a crane to remove it to change the oil... too complex.   Either way,  truly a very fine welder in such beautiful condition, and earned with hours on the job enjoyLast edited by PapaLion; 05-30-2010 at 07:12 PM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:How about a sliding door on the SA200, Usually done with 2 half doors on tracks, good welder should be able to fab that pretty easy. Then put sliding window in pickup. You could get to the dip stick and add oil when needed. Maybe some other components could be accessed as well. although your placement is tight I think it looks great and apart from what the others have said I think by moving it ahead of the axle you take all the weight off the rear springs and begin to share it with the front as well , should be better on the truck and handling and braking all around. very nice. No SA looks bad on any truck when you respect these units like we all do.Last edited by kolot; 05-31-2010 at 12:20 AM."Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum"Lincoln Idealarc 250 AC/DCMillermatic 251   Syncrowave 300   30A spoolgunLincoln MP210Hypertherm 45(2) LN 25(2) Lincoln Weldanpower 225 CV(4) SA200   1 short hood    SA250    SAM 400
Reply:Hey Im looking to drop a sa200 in a 03 duramax long box. Has anyone done that? Im guessing if it is possible a guy would have to shorten up the cap?