I am currently working on a 68 chevelle. I took the front section off to clean up the frame and suspension and I found a crack. It runs through the frame holes behind the passenger A-arm, then up over the top of the frame rail. approx 8 inches long. It has already been patched, but not repaired by the previous owner. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/rolleyes.gif I've had plenty of explanations on how to fix the crack, ( most practical are from you guys) but now I learn standard methods won't stand up. I plan on racing the car and punishing it.

Do I have to plan for a frame replacement? Can I chop and replace the section? what about a front end kit (alston chassis)?

Any advise or referals would be greatly appreciated. http://www.chevelles.com/forum/confused.gif

Thanks!

Geno http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif

What I would do: Thouroughly clean the affected area with a drill/wirewheel down to bare metal to see how far the damage goes. Then strip off the suspension on that side, and the inner fenderwell...Then call a certified and reputable mobile welder dude..See if they are up to it..if it's a track only car then this may suffice . Those guys do excellent work for a nominal fee. Or call a race chassis fab shop and run the repair by them....Good Luck-Shawn

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clean area as suggested above,grind a v in the crack,weld at high amp but not filling the v completly.next day grind surface of weld and weld again.if the v is still visible let cool and grind and weld again.you want to get penitration all the way through and you will have a repair that should handle about any abuse you can throw at it.
Mike

Thanks for the tips! http://www.chevelles.com/forum/biggrin.gif I removed the patch to begin cleaning. The section between the frame holes has been burnt away. I'm positive I can weld the rest of the crack. Can I get away with putting a larger patch over the hole? (it's about 21/2" by 3/4" of an inch)

Geno

I had the same problem on my 69 Camino. I think mine was in a bad wreck though(bondo in the front, 1/4's, tailgate, valance). In my situation, I placed a metal patch about 4"x5" by 1/8" thick over the affected area. AFter some time, another crack started to develop through the frame holes. So, not sure if the patch made it stronger or not. Other alternative, find an A body frame and swap out the chassis. Not my idea of a fun day's work though. I can deal with a small crack. hehe