So my car tried to kill me again. The left side front lower control arm broke off of the frame. It looks like it was an old repair that gave way. It's really very jagged and rough. It was the rear bracket that gave way and the front bushing is really torqued over holding it on.







I know that it's possible to fix this, but is it worth it? I'm also worried about getting the alignment straight on this. How hard is it going to be to get this welded back into the exact right spot. It's no show car by a long shot. The interior consists of the rear seat and two worn buckets that aren't original. It's pretty much rust free and solid, but the body is in primer.

 

That section of frame looks pretty well-rotted behind the failed area!
If I am seeing that right, then it is time to weld in a new frame section.

Glad you kept it in control without extra drama!

 

I haven't poked around in there to see how solid things are yet. If that rail has to be cut out close to the firewall to weld on a whole new piece I don't know If I have the room or ambition to do it. Pulling the motor, all of the suspension on that side, fenders, bumper, radiator. Really just gutting the front of the car. If I did decide to do that, then I would be looking at months of down time. I'd also get a real bad case of might=as-wells and re-build the engine from the low comp late 70's model that's in there now to something more fun. I put about 12,000 miles on the car last year so it normally gets driven quite a bit.

 

Holy @&ing !&$@!!!

I can't comment on how fixable that is without actually seeing it in person, but it looks to me as though it would have to be plated to a decent distance in all directions, and therefore would require some fabrication.

I agree, the hole looks rusty - you need to determine exactly how much rust there is before you contemplate fixing it.

- Eric

 

Ouch! that looks pretty bad. Glad your'e ok.

That needs to be looked at by someone with experience very carefully. It might be a canidate for a replacement frame. Theres no telling what other areas of the frame are weak also. I usually see these models rust out bad in the rear frame areas too.

 

Might be cheaper and quicker to find another frame. If its weak there it might be weak in other spots. Plus a good clean frame is alot safer!!

 

X2 with Ancient Iron - and there's some nice one's out there!
We just stumbled on a '66 Catalina frame, painted, with all new front-end parts and suspension for $600!!
Had to take the shell - but the scrappers in Chicago gave us $200 for that!
Doing the switch is more labor than parts, but no alignment for welding - easier than I thought!
Post what it is - maybe someone has something with your name on it!

 

I would agree that a new frame is probably the most economical and safest way to go.

 

Looks like somebody applied the "if you can't weld good weld lots" rule. I'd agree with the other posts. You'd have to take a good long look at what is actually rotted/rusted away. I'd also be concerned about how it would've affected the other mountings. Replacement frame is the way to go. Sandblast, fresh paint it'll look factory fresh.

 

I think right now I'm split between just selling the car as a non movable project and throwing a tarp over it until I can get a frame and doing a real frame off project with it. I'm in the DFW area so if anyone knows of a decent frame around here I'd appreciate the hints. I'd like to go all Gearhead78 on it and putting in all SPC stuff, rebuilding the engine and doing fuel injection. That's a whole lot of time and money though for a car that may not be worth a whole lot in a few years when I'm done.

 

Keep your eyes peeled not only for Oldsmobile but other GM A-bodies of similar years. Your in a dry part of the country so you should be able to find a good one there as long as it wasn't under a costal car. I know up here the main demand for 1968-72 frames are with the round-D-round racers. They'll cut the front clip off and use it in their race car. Sadly, that will often only last a few races so quite a few frames have been used up this way. I know the wrecking yards are asking a lot for A-body frames, but I see them on Craigslist now and then for a couple hundred dollars. John

 

I'd be willing to bet you can pickup a complete donor car for less than it would cost to repair that frame here in Texas. Then just transfer parts!

 

Get another frame. 66400 (Henry) in the Austin area may have one. You didn't specify year and model so I can't tell if one of my 66 A body frames would be correct.

 

In his info, says 70 Cutlass S, and is in Austin - maybe Henry will get a visit.

 

Yep, 70 Cutlass, but in the D/FW area. Austin is a good 4 hour trek from here. I think my current plan is going to be to put a cover on it and keep my eyes open.

 

Dang it Craigslist... I see a $400 skylark parts car with no front clip about an hour south of here and I haven't made up my mind.

 

Aww, just go look at it.

Bring $200. If he doesn't take it, you're only out two hours.

- Eric

 

With your old frame, that white hulk should get you $3-400 @ the scrappers!
And the front-end'll be wide open for inspection!

 

Looks like the interior may be in halfway decent shape too. Even with that big patch of duct tape on the passengers side it looks better that what I've got in mine. Could be a good thing here.

 

There's like 3 - 4 guys parting out cars on the board - could use a dolly to get it back!!

 

X2 on Henry he has lots off 66-67s. I know a guy up in east Texas how has lots of 66-67 parts trying to find his number. If I find it i'll post it here. Good luck we are here to help.

 

Look up CTC AutoRanch its north of Denton and he has a huge yard of all classics. Almost all his inventory is 70's or older. I used to go up there and walk around just for fun. Found hard A/C lines for a TA at the time. He has a website too. www.ctcautoranch.com.

 

CTC AutoRanch might have it but you will need to take lots of money. Those boys are high. $90 for a front brake drum for a 54 Olds in 2002 is high. Nice guys though.

 

http://autorust.com/store/

I know these guys could fix it but I think they are only local. Looking through their available kits I didn't see anything for the front but maybe giving them a call could help. I've seen there work on a local radio personalities 69 Torino and it was phenomenal and it was also in the same area as yours.

 

You might want to call Dallas Frame and Alignment. If it can be fixed around here they will be the guys to do it.

 

I would get a frame. Thats not an area on the cars that should be repaired. You are lucky you are OK. Another failure and who know. If you have access to a lift, its a great job for the weekend.

 

I have a frame from a 72 442 I'll let you have for 100.00 I'm in San Antonio

 

I wish I was going to be in San Antonio any time soon. I'd rent a little pickup and strap that thing on it . I think I'll be in the market for a new frame in a few months, but I'm going to try to stockpile some of the smaller bits I know I'll need. All the bushing, the ball joints, etc. Code enforcement will get mad if I take too long with it up in the air so I'll have to make sure I have everything lined up first. Maybe I'll get brave and call up SC&C.