We have just acquired a 72 Malibu/Chevelle. In looking it over, the shop found a small crack in the frame on the passenger side. It is directly above the lower control arm, and appears to be a hairline crack. They are recommending we weld a plate across the junction which would be about 500... and if that is what it takes to make it safe, we are leaning towards doing it. Only issue is that there is a brake line attached to that member and it would have to be relocated (at least while being welded).

Any suggestions?? Could we screw a plate in the frame and do the same, or would the screws simply wiggle loose...

Mark
Herndon VA

500.00 to weld up a crack then weld a plate over it???? Damn.... I wish I could get some of that action. Check with a welding shop before you spend that kind of money. You might be able to locate a replacement frame for 500 bucks.

No screwing a plate on will do nothing for strength. It must be welded but But in MHO I think the shop is way over priced on the repair.

Mark, You might want to look up a post by FO FDY FO and see if Pete can help you. He is in Manassas, Va.

hey! i'll do it for $400!!!! graemlins/hurray.gif graemlins/clonk.gif
mark, check out my site. did you join VCEA Virginia chevelle club? we should hook up.
it can be welded, it should be drilled at the ends of the crack, to relieve the stress and any further cracking, then knotched and welded, if done right a plate over top is not only useless, it is a place to trap rust. graemlins/waving.gif