Frame crack repairable???

Pitbull2o08 · January 16th, 2008, 06:52 AM

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 · January 16th, 2008, 06:59 AM

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

Pitbull2o08 · January 16th, 2008, 08:39 AM

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

Barneyo · January 16th, 2008, 09:15 AM

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 · January 16th, 2008, 02:44 PM

thanks... i appreciate it

joe_padavano · January 16th, 2008, 03:33 PM

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 · January 16th, 2008, 06:43 PM

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 · January 16th, 2008, 08:19 PM

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

January 16th, 2008, 06:52 AM	#1 (permalink)
Pitbull2o08 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 18	Frame crack repairable??? 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 Last edited by Pitbull2o08; January 16th, 2008 at 08:53 AM..

January 16th, 2008, 03:33 PM	#6 (permalink)
joe_padavano Super Moderator Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,396	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. __________________ Joe Padavano 64 Jetstar 88 Conv 66 442 L-69 Conv 68 W-30 69 H/O 69 442 70 W-30 72 442 84 Custom Cruiser 86 Caprice wagon (w/307 Olds)

January 16th, 2008, 06:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
Olds64 Landyacht Club President Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 4,286	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. __________________ Ferris, my father loves this car more than life itself... Apparently, you don't understand! Ferris, he never drives it! He just rubs it with a diaper! Cameron Frye Ferris Bueller's Day Off 1986

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January 16th, 2008, 06:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
ozoneblue Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 503	If possible drill a hole at each end of crack then weld away

January 16th, 2008, 08:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
Pitbull2o08 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 18	thanks....but it'll be just as strong? or should i take extra precaution?

January 16th, 2008, 09:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Barneyo Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 39	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.

January 16th, 2008, 02:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
Pitbull2o08 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 18	thanks... i appreciate it

January 16th, 2008, 08:19 PM	#8 (permalink)
Pitbull2o08 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 18	yeah...it's like a split down the middle.