Abstract: This invention relates to a combined method of welding and annealing an aluminum-zinc alloy coated ferrous wire, and restoring the corrosion resistant properties to the annealed areas of said wire. The aluminum-zinc coating consists of an alloy overlay and an intermetallic alloy layer, between said alloy overlay and the ferrous wire. The preferred method includes the steps of (1) upset welding two alloy coated steel wires, (2) annealing the weld joint, at a temperature between about 1200.degree. and about 1450.degree. F. whereby during such annealing the weld joint is subjected to brushing to remove said alloy overlay and to prevent the formation of oxides on said intermetallic alloy layer, (3) removing the burr formed during such welding, and (4) cooling. During said cooling, or alternatively by reheating to a maximum temperature where the aluminum-zinc alloy coating on the wire begins to melt, i.e. about 900.degree. F. (482.degree. C.