Need Welding Advice Please

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Hi Everyone,        I am very new to welding and started because I am building a sidecar for my motorcycle and needed to figure out a good way to attach the sidecar. My question to everyone is whether I can weld an additional piece of metal over the current frame gusset, essentially fusing the two pieces of gusset material together so I have a thicker, hopefully stronger attachment for a connection eyebolt for the sidecar. I am concerned that by welding on top of the current gusset it will make the current welds weaker although the gusset itself will be stronger. Any help would be appreciated!  I have attached a pic of the gusset I am talking about.Thanks in advance. Attached Images
Reply:Welding to it should not pose any problems provided you make an adequate weld, reinforcement and clean all paint offIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Originally Posted by NowuriesI am very new to welding and started because I am building a sidecar for my motorcycle and needed to figure out a good way to attach the sidecar...
Reply:No, I am "self-taught" which is why I was asking advice. I am trying to get a local welder to do the job but they are all swamped right now and I don't want to wait 6 weeks to get a 1 hour or less job done. The other option I have is filling the two holes on each side's gusset, drilling a hole through each gusset for a longer eye bolt, putting a spacer in between the gussets and securing the eye bolt that way. Then I assume the entire frame would be supporting that eyebolt.Anyway, I will keep trying to get in touch with a local welder who can do it, I just wanted some professionals' advice. Keep the advice coming if there is any more to be given.Thanks!
Reply:Would welding on a bike frame be considered the same as welding on a car or truck frame?  If so, does it have to be DOT (Department Of Transportation) approved?   Just a thought!!  regardless, be safe...
Reply:If I understand you correctly you are simply putting double plates with matching holes on top of an existing gusset?  All you are doing is making the gusset stiffer so that the bolt doesn't crush it.  If that is the case your weld is only to locate the doubler and is not critical.  If you seal the edges all the way around by welding it you have more than enough length of weld for the application.  The bolt and the original gussets are what is transferring the load to the frame.    I would be concerned about your chrome and aluminum being damaged from spatter and that the fuel tank is secured or better yet removed.  Be careful that the heat does not reach your steering head bearings.        Rigging up and aligning a side car is quite the art.  In the back of my goldwing manual there are some guidlines.  Be mindful of the extra load on steering and tires  The toe-in is very critical.  The rig shown in my manual is attached primarily by "U" brackets and bolts that clamp to the tube frame members.