Opinions Please diff hanging plate

[Nauts]

Hi all,

After removing my differential I found the back plate pretty rusty, it is made from two pieces of steel a thick one (the main supporting piece which hangs from the car) and a thinner piece welded to the thick piece, the thinner piece was rusted with holes and only remained welded to the thick piece on one side, which I have removed. Here is my question ? A friend has made me two replacement pieces one from plain steel the same as the original and one from stainless steel, if I use the plain steel one I can plug weld it to the original thick back plate, but if I use the stainless steel version I would have to bolt it to the original thick back plate. So opinions and advice required please.

Regards Paul.

[Stagdad]

I would find a good second hand one if I were you.

[stagmuffin]

hi Paul, this is a common issue .the fact that the plates are sandwiched and resistance welds used means there is little or no protection getting in the middle and the heat from the weld causes the oxidation .if you use the stainless plate it can be welded to the mild steel thicker plate with stainless rods or butter welded with stainless the fitted .it is quite an easy process if you have welding equipment I can give you some rods to do it if not you are not that far away you could bring it over sometime and I can do it for you
steve

[Guest]

I thought about repairing mine but just bought a second hand one from Paddocks. A lot easier.

[Nauts]

Hi Thanks for opinions and advice, specially steve for his kind offer. I have decided to use the stainless plate and bolt it to the main plate, reason being; A, if the main plate corrodes I can remove clean etc, B, I can paint/protect both plates before assembly.

Regards Paul.