Originally Posted by skokievtr

Markus, as I stated, I thought you were following up for me.

I don't know how you have patience to respond sometimes. In my old age, it's hard for me.

As I'm sure you also know but many member may not, one major factor when welding, especially aluminum (and given an experienced welder who is certified for the equipment and position to be used) is not knowing the grade (Type) of material and its "condition". There are some filler rods that work well on a variety of aluminum types but very often cast and forged and even extruded shapes have been "heat treated" or are alloyed to "age" into a "condition" (i.e., 6061-T6). So the dire results and foibles you mentioned regarding welding can have several causes.

Bottom line, for most people, a rivnut is simple, inexpensive, effective and expedient for this application compared to welding.

Originally Posted by Bandit400man

I may want spools after all...have been using those swingarm supports an the gotdamned things scraped my exhaust a little from being too far inward. With spools that wouldn't have happened. An to get both to line up was aight with my ol man there to help, but once back at my pad in its rightful spot, its gonna be a bitch to do alone...