Starting the rebuild on my front suspension and I found a hairline crack on one of the front lower control arms (on the outer part that surrounds the ball joint). I have seen how some guys are boxing their lower control arms and I am just wondering if that would still work out ok with a crack in the arm to begin with. The crack could be welded up, but it may change the metal and cause it to fail again. My options are: find another good used arm, buy tubular lower arms $$$, box my current arms, is there such a thing as new stock arms for a 1964?? I am installing tall spindles, 12" brakes and I have already bought tubular upper arms so originality is not an issue, money on the other hand is. Just looking for input here. Thanks

That is pretty common. If you are gonna weld'em up, drill a small hole at the end of the cracks, weld hot enough not to distort, but strong. Did a couple myself. One of 'em on a wheelstanding 69, still holding after 10 years.

check out this kit
http://home.comcast.net/~petelohr/einstyn1/einstyn-14.htm

I'd buy another used arm before I'd weld the old one up. Check the Recycler newspaper on line to see if someone is parting out a car in your area.

well what assures the next one you buy doesnt crack too? it will still be 30+ years old.
i do have a drivers sidearm for sale.

I second Pete's comments on using that kit. I bought one from him and had it welded up on mine as I was redoing my front suspension.

You've cracked three so far. Why push your luck?

Before photo with parts from kit shown: http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Xtreme70SS396/frontcontrolarmsbefore.JPG

After welding and painting, hard to tell from stock: http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/Xtreme70SS396/frontcontrolarmsafter.JPG

Thanks Guys! I think I will go with boxing them, looks a lot stronger than stock.