This is a 72 Chevelle drivers side front. The rust is right in front of the front tire. Could i just cut it out and weld in a new piece or what should i do? The rest of the frame is in good shape. I need some options. thanks.
Adam

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/10/web/454000-454999/454444_11.jpg

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/10/web/454000-454999/454444_12.jpg

Replace it !!!....Know a guy in Arizona who might be able to help you get a clean frame. That thing looks dangerous....e-mail me for info.

HI, I would replace frame,that is very dangerous to drive like that.If i am looking at it correctly the bolts are for the steering box.It has 3 mounting bolts 2 are in the rusted area.Ray

I would expect that the rest of the frame is not as solid as you might think. I've looked at several chevelles in the NorthEast, if it's been driven in the Winter, most likely it's in bad shape. Without question, salt will have gotten inside the frame, not to mention other places. When your jacking up the frame, it will start to bend, even if you don't notice it. Just as the other guys have stated, replace the frame.

Fred.

Thats the replys i was expecting....for the mean time, can i do a temporary patch? Im going out to sea for 9 months so when i get back, thats when im gonna really tear into it.
Adam

Originally posted by Cyanide96VR6:
Thats the replys i was expecting....for the mean time, can i do a temporary patch? Do you really want to drive around in a car that you put a temporary patch on the frame of? (Or even one that "NEEDS" one!) graemlins/sad.gif
Would you want your family to be riding around in that car with you when you hit a pot hole at 40 MPH and the steering box drops right off the frame and locks the wheels hard left into oncoming traffic? graemlins/sad.gif graemlins/sad.gif graemlins/sad.gif
Not to mention the fact that if you can't steer effectively, you can't brake effectively. :(

I certainly wouldn't, but this is just my opinion.
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i have replaced that section of my frame, but it was not that bad and it was the only place there was rust. let this be a warning to all, those little 1/8" drain holes just infront of the front swaybar mouns get clogged up easy. drill those out to a 1/2" and you might prevent further damage. http://chevelles.com/showroom/FO_FDYFO/frame-02-25-02l.jpg

point taken....im leaving for 8 months but when i come back im definately gonna get another frame. And while im at it, im gonna throw on discs and do an engine swap.

I also replaced that section on my 72 Elc. The drain holes are a must because the frame is shaped to hold water. I cut the front section off another frame and but welded it with an extra sleve inside. Just as safe as factory. I might have another front frame section if you are interested.

Tom

I don't know if NJ is like NY, but if you repair your frame by welding, the NYS inspector does not have to pass your car. This has nothing to do with welding on brackets, etc. If the frame is rusty, and has been repaired by welding, legally, the inspection station should not pass the car (in NYS). I just found this out last Saturday, when the garage told a guy they wouldn't pass his 73 camaro. I asked them why not, and that's what they told me.

Fred.

would replacing that section by welding on a new section be as strong? Its not gonna be a show car but i want it to be safe especially if i throw in a big block with that extra weight in the front.

it can be if its a good weld. especially if its infront of the suspension. its lower stress there.

hmmm decisions decisions...