P1000 Side step pipe rust issue

[Prospector16]

Have any of you replaced, or repaired the side step pipes on your Pioneer? If you repaired them, did you remove them first in order to weld on new supporting pieces or did you weld in place on the machine? Is it better to replace or rebuild/reinforce? Given the cost of new pipes here in Canada my first inclination is to remove them and take them to a good welder for repair.

Back story is that I installed Super ATV signal and horn kit last week. That went well. Since I had removed some panels etc I decided to do the oil changes, filters, etc and give the machine a good once over. During that inspection I removed what I thought was just caked on mud but realized that the bottom of the cross pipe on both sides of the machine were rusted out. I'll try attaching a couple of photos. Looking for your comments or advice. Thanks in advance.

 

[Admin]

 

[Hello_Darkness]

Pioneer 1000 sides pipes can be replaced, they unbolt from the main frame.

 

[Prospector16]

Pioneer 1000 sides pipes can be replaced, they unbolt from the main frame.

Thanks. Yes, I see that in the parts fiche. Just wondering if anyone here has actually done that or if they went the weld-repair route.

 

[ODAMO]

Thanks. Yes, I see that in the parts fiche. Just wondering if anyone here has actually done that or if they went the weld-repair route.

I would think if the tubes are rusted thru, the paper thinness of them would not have enough material to weld anything to. And I’m sure new ones are expensive. Good luck whichever way you go. Maybe the best answer is get new ones and bolster them before install

 

[Prospector16]

I would think if the tubes are rusted thru, the paper thinness of them would not have enough material to weld anything to. And I’m sure new ones are expensive. Good luck whichever way you go. Maybe the best answer is get new ones and bolster them before install

Yes. I was shocked at how thin they are.

 

[Dirtstiffs-1000]

The tubes are super thin and can be difficult to weld, but it can be done. I welded angle iron for rock sliders to protect the tubes. Sprayed underside with rust kill afterwards. Best to do before they rust, of course. A good fab shop with a tube bender can remake them.
Good luck.

 

[ODAMO]

Yes. I was shocked at how thin they are.

The rops cage is the same. 😳