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So, the search continues for a 442 that passes muster. I had the owner of this '65 442 send me pictures as it's a long way away from where I live. The car has most of the 442 characteristics like 4V on the data plate/cowl tag, 389298 block casting number, 383821 head casting numbers, 3 holes in the frame bracket where the rear upper control arm attaches, but I'm waiting for the engine pad stamp that he hasn't found yet. However, I am concerned about some welded steel pieces that are welded to the frame in front of the rear wheels and am awaiting a reply from the owner as to why they are there. I thought I'd post pictures to see if anyone has encountered this before and whether you have thoughts on why they are there. My first thought is repairing some damage, maybe. It's on both sides. I don't think it's to repair rust damage because there doesn't appear to be any appreciable rust anywhere else on the underbody. Let me know what you think. Thanks.
That happens around my parts all the time. rotted frame & a welded patch, OR possible damaged in this area. However looking at the rest of the frame area it does not look like a rotted situation. I agree with you..
Last edited by zl1 camaro; Jul 31, 2025 at 04:53 AM.
Had rust there also on my 72 D88 ragtop, I patched similarly, believe it doesn't drain water well in that area, but my car lived in the rust belt, also some rust through on one trailing arm.
Your trailing arm appears to be patched or reinforced also, but I don't know that car specific's
Too bad the “welder” didn’t take a little more time and effort to do it right.
Many forget that at one time these were just an old used worthless car. And repairs were done as cheaply as they could be, manytimes by farmer Bob with a buzz box and some rod.
Many forget that at one time these were just an old used worthless car. And repairs were done as cheaply as they could be, manytimes by farmer Bob with a buzz box and some rod.
"farmer Bob's" drove Chebbies and Fords.
This is clearly crappy workmanship.
Time for a desert donor frame.
Let me guess the asking price is north of 50K.
Some of that looks glued or bondo'ed....run Forest.
What gets discarded and crushed here in the borderland is mind boggling. Yet very few can think outside the box, and make an effort to acquire it. Caught the tail end of it from mid nineties forward. Can only imagine what had been discarded earlier.
I'm sure that was done upside down on jackstands. Those aren't prize welds but they aren't broken either. And anyone who welds will tell you how difficult it is to weld upside down. It was probably done to get the car through inspection at some point. A donor frame would be a good move.
I'm sure that was done upside down on jackstands. Those aren't prize welds but they aren't broken either. And anyone who welds will tell you how difficult it is to weld upside down. It was probably done to get the car through inspection at some point. A donor frame would be a good move.
Welding overhead isn’t that hard IF, you are using a dc stick welder, 6010 rod, a buzz box or a mig are a pain in the *** overhead..no doubt. The only thing I would wonder is that the only weak spot in the frame. I bought a 65 GTO years back we built and street raced, came out of Pennsylvania..through running the **** out of it one day the frame broke and separated right in front of the wheel arch. I fish plated it but never trusted the car after that.
