Can I fix this?

[super99]

I screwed up and didn’t secure the top of my canopy before driving down the road. Saw it flapping in the breeze and pulled over and took it off. One arm is broken at the rivet. Wondering if I can lay a piece on both sides and weld to reinforce it and still use it. Any other fixes come to mind?

 

[showcrop]

Same as a standard EMT?

 

[super99]

no idea

 

[Janicholson]

If function is the desire, and looks are not critical, you can use 2 - 8" by 1/4" steel rods that are bent in the center to match the smashed area where the rivet goes through. Straighten the break back in place. Lay the rods along the sides and tape them in place to begin the real connection. The tape should be black vinyl electrical tape and one tape spot nearest the rivet, and one at the end on each end, 4 taped spots.
Next wrap the area between the tape on each end with mechanics (baling) wire very tight. use 1 hour se epoxy or JB Weld, to saturate the wire wraps. Let it harden over night.
Remove the black tape and wrap the joint close to the rivet, and at the exposed ends, then epoxy those.
Another way is to grind off the rivet head, and take the thing apart. Use a large tapered punch, inserted in the ends to reshape the ends round.
Find, or have made a solid aluminum rod 5 inches long. Epoxy the rod into the two pieces, 2.5" into each. Re-drill the hole, and put a bolt through the assembly Double nut it so it can remain able to pivot. Jim

 

[chico1]

Cut it through, make the ends round again and insert a hardwood dowel of the proper size 10-12 inches long and center in the two pieces. Drill a hole on each piece to secure the dowel with a nut and bolt and drill the center hole and reattach the brace arm. Worked great on my boat canopy.

 

[jon f mn]

Cut it through, make the ends round again and insert a hardwood dowel of the proper size 10-12 inches long and center in the two pieces. Drill a hole on each piece to secure the dowel with a nut and bolt and drill the center hole and reattach the brace arm. Worked great on my boat canopy.

This is the best way if you can find a round shaft the right size. Otherwise you can weld it as you explained as well.

 

[Tony in SD]

Anything can be fixed if you have the right materials, tools and ability. The real question is if it is worth fixing

 

[docmirror]

It's Chinese pot metal. Unless you have some extra time, and want it to look like hell, start over. Of course, you could put braces here and there, and lash it all together with rivets or something, but gah - it's going to look like yuch.

 

[jon f mn]

It's Chinese pot metal. Unless you have some extra time, and want it to look like hell, start over. Of course, you could put braces here and there, and lash it all together with rivets or something, but gah - it's going to look like yuch.

I doubt that is pot metal, looks to me like thin wall steel tube.

 

[RESLLS]

Saw someone do that Friday between Dover and Parise Tn. Was that you? My first thought was, that isn't going to be good. Deere was on a trailer at 65 mph. Canopy was swinging all over. You could sleeve it. Find some tubing with inside diameter the same as the outside of the cracked piece.

 

[caterpillar guy]

I know how I would fix it. Nobody would like it so.

 

[super99]

Saw someone do that Friday between Dover and Parise Tn. Was that you? My first thought was, that isn't going to be good. Deere was on a trailer at 65 mph. Canopy was swinging all over. You could sleeve it. Find some tubing with inside diameter the same as the outside of the cracked piece.

No, was south of Atkinson, Ill

 

[Briar Hill Brittanys]

I bent one up going under a tree. My fix was to cut the bent part off, insert a 1/2" bolt shank from a long carriage bolt in one end. A piece of 1/2" EMT of the proper length slipped over the opposite end of the bolt shank, then mig welded the joint. The bolt shank strengthened the weld. I know your break is at a rivet hole, but a grade 2 bolt should drill pretty easy. Hope this helps.

 

[EFV]

No, was south of Atkinson, Ill

You live south of Atkinson Illinois ? Or just passing through ? Have family in that area.

 

[Brownie450]

Looks like 1" EMT. Just make a new one??
Jim