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OK, so my 79 started pulling to the left recently, so I was expecting a bad tie rod or ball joint, but when I checked out the suspension, I found a much worse problem.
My front cross member seems to be separating/ripping. I'm gonna start tearing it apart this weekend (hopefully), but wanted to get some opinions whether the frame is even repairable?
I do have another 79 parts car that I could probably use the frame to replace this one, but I'm hoping that I can fix this one? (not looking forward to doing a frame-off).
That can all be repaired with a good MIG welder. Looks to me like the original crack was in the main crossmember. Just below the brake line clamp. It's rusty in that area.
The bottom pan can be purchased new if you wish to replace it. Replace some control arm bushings while you're at it.
Last edited by rebel542; Aug 14, 2015 at 12:57 AM.
Reason: Additional comment.
Ouch. That could have been dangerous. The metal itself looks decent and not overly rotted. Definitely weldable if you can get everything bent back in place and clamped properly. But, you may be better off just replacing it.
BTW, per the power book, those lower control arm mount/braces are just tack welded on and could benefit from a full bead on both sides. I did it to mine while the frame was bare.
your lower control arm bushings are probably partially frozen and not pivoting, so somthing has to give, like the frame mounting. full front suspension rebuild needed also.
Replace some control arm bushings while you're at it.
Originally Posted by speedreed8
your lower control arm bushings are probably partially frozen and not pivoting, so something has to give, like the frame mounting. full front suspension rebuild needed also.
Yep - front suspension was on the list for this winter, during our 'rainy' season (praying for rain!). I had been working on rear suspension, and was going to replace the trailing arms next.....schedule just got modified.....
Ouch. That could have been dangerous. The metal itself looks decent and not overly rotted. Definitely weldable if you can get everything bent back in place and clamped properly. But, you may be better off just replacing it.
BTW, per the power book, those lower control arm mount/braces are just tack welded on and could benefit from a full bead on both sides. I did it to mine while the frame was bare.
I have a MIG, and a couple of friends that are actually better at welding than I am. I guess I'll give repairing it a shot.
Well, got the frame all welded up yesterday. Everything pushed back into place easily, and looks like it should be plenty strong. I'm sandblasting and painting all of the control arms, spindles, and front frame while I'm waiting for the front suspension rebuild kit... (hurry up Willcox! )
Nice job, glad you could save her. Did you tack up the other side?
don't tack the other side. do the same job was done on this side. that guy can weld!! it may not be entirely bad suspension pulled it loose. frame could have been built on a day when the usual guy called out sick and a door panel guy was handed the welder...
Yes - he welded the other side too, and a couple of other minor 'non-structural' cracks that we found too. I was pretty impressed with his welding too, especially seeing the position he was laying in while doing most of it.
My guess is that the car was involved in an accident sometime in its life (based on some tweaking we had to do to get front panels and hood to line up when we painted it), and that probably caused something to pull loose, and it just got worse over time.
I have no idea what a replacement frame would cost, but you probably "saved" a couple "$,$$$ by challenging yourself....and your friend the welder!
I'm thinking it would have been more of a challenge for me to do a frame replacement! I already had a donor car that I could have used for the frame - I picked up another 79 for $700 recently. I just haven't decided if I'm going to put $$ into fixing that one up, or just use it for parts for my current 79 (the $700 car is missing a lot of interior parts).
Need some expert frame advice!
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