How bad is this in the overall scheme of things? Noticed this weekend after pulling the engine and control arms that the frame is cracked like this on both sides of the cross member. Can I just weld this back together? or am I going to have to do something special to get the alignment of everything in order for things to work right? more picts at http://tdod.org/merick/skylark/6-18/Buick.html
Looks like time for a better frame...I bet you look at it more,you will find more problems like that. That is really cracked pretty badly.
probably terminal, unless u can find a good machinist/welder. he may be able to sister/weld in a piece of steel to strengthen the cracked areas.
thats what i was afraid of. I do have the frame from another parts car, but no way to get the body off and on, unless I can figure out a way to use my engine hoist out there in the dirt.
weld it! Find a good welder and weld it up. If the car can still be aligned you are good to go. Just keep an eye on it, and check the rest of the frame for cracks and weld them also. Just my 2 cents. Brian
Replace the frame, it's too far gone. Over the years, I've welded up quite a few '64-72 A-body frames that were mildly cracked coming down the sweep behind the passenger side lwr control arm mount. That is THE spot, one will usually 1st see the front frame cracking on high mile A-bodys, esp ones that have led long hard lives with powerful big blocks perched upon them. To repair, had the engine out & the rh inner fender out. To do it right, I open a window & reinforce from the backside of the crack by welding a fitted piece of steel plate plate from the inside, then cosmetically weld up the outer crack. Window is then tacked & welded back in. Usually looks good enough for a driver type car, but by no means a showcar repair.. :3gears: Roger
Don't be afraid to weld/repair the frame. It's not a challenge to a good welder, just make sure you check the alignment on a frame machine before you final weld.
