they sell a rod to weld cast aluminum but the smallest size you can get it in is 1/8 which is a huge rod for your application. an you need to drill a hole as said on the thread. when you ask around be sure to let everyone know it is CAST aluminum and it needs to be very clean before you weld it. they sell a good aluminum aircraft cleaner that i have used. it works great.
Easy on the elbow grease next time man.....
