Pitbull2o08

HI, my cuttlass has a slight split down the seem of the frame in the engine bay...it's about 4in. in length. my dad says he can weld that up but i was just wondering what everyone here thought. thanks

ozoneblue

If possible drill a hole at each end of crack then weld away

Pitbull2o08

thanks....but it'll be just as strong? or should i take extra precaution?

Barneyo

Let me add to what ozoneblue said - Even if you have to go out and
buy a rightangle drill -DO- drill a hole at the ends of the crack; then
weld away. You hafta make sure the stress is relieved at both ends
before welding.

Pitbull2o08

thanks... i appreciate it

joe_padavano

First, these frames are mild steel and a properly done weld will be at least as strong as the parent metal. The crack-stopper drilled holes are a must if the crack is closed ended. If it goes all the way to an edge, you need to take some additional precautions. One consideration is the undercut you would get at the edge of a frame flange. GM recommends using a run-off tab against the edge of the flange and continuing the weld onto the tab. This gets the start-up or tail-off undercut off the frame and the tab can be ground off later.

Olds64

Wow, you lean something new everyday. I never even thoght that a frame would crack or distort. Well, except for a reason like a collision or motor over torquing the car.

Pitbull2o08

yeah...it's like a split down the middle.