Started welding the frame seams
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,534
Likes: 115
From: Arlington TX
Started welding the frame seams
I have done most of the car between the wheels. I honestly didn't think I would notice a difference but I have. The first drive I thought it was all in my head but I drove for the 2nd time tonight (after some further welding in the rear wheel wells) hitting all bumps in the road on purpose and really seems better now. Will continue to weld every place I can reach with the body on the car. I would say only about 60% off the seam is welded on my '70.
Will update after more driving.
Will update after more driving.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,679
Likes: 6
From: Charles Town WV
Re: Started welding the frame seams (rgregory)
pics? What is the difference? Is it stiffer? Which seams are you welding?
Lemme guess, you got a new welder and are welding every gap you can find.
Lemme guess, you got a new welder and are welding every gap you can find.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,534
Likes: 115
From: Arlington TX
Re: Started welding the frame seams (Steve Straus)
I didn't take picks but all the seams that run down the length of the frame. It is not fully welded from the factory.
Mine being a convertible shakes terribly over bumps. It is less now. The steering wheel also appears to not shake so bad either which has always bothered me. Still some shake but not as bad.
New welder no, just got the itch to do it after finally getting fed up and looking for anything to make the car not such a rattle trap.
Mine being a convertible shakes terribly over bumps. It is less now. The steering wheel also appears to not shake so bad either which has always bothered me. Still some shake but not as bad.
New welder no, just got the itch to do it after finally getting fed up and looking for anything to make the car not such a rattle trap.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,713
Likes: 1,372
did the same to my '68
and when I had the engine out I did the top seams in the engine compartment...it's subjective, but it seems to have made a difference. More of a difference when welding the underside betweent the axles.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 429
Likes: 0
From: Oak Harbor WA
Re: Started welding the frame seams (rgregory)
Be sure to weld the front crossmember lower plate, especially around the lower A-arm pivot bar bracket. I know it's a PIA to get that area properly cleaned and prepped to accept the weld, but that's where all C-3 frames start getting stress fractures due to flexing, and due to the limited spot welding practice used at the factory. When the front lower suspension rips off the frame (and I believe all C-3's as they age will experience this), it could kill you. Afterwards, add a spreader bar between the upper A-arms (available from Vette Brakes for $79), to prevent future flexing and future fractures. Chevy should have installed these bars at the factory--poor design. I thought my car was in perfect shape, no visible frame rust anywhere, until this happened to me last week:
[Modified by kenko74, 9:39 AM 3/10/2004]
[Modified by kenko74, 11:57 AM 3/10/2004]
[Modified by kenko74, 9:39 AM 3/10/2004]
[Modified by kenko74, 11:57 AM 3/10/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Re: Started welding the frame seams (kenko74)
Definitely check the front area of the lower control arm mounts.
I have a close-up of my 70 frame ... crack just starting to form.
You can see it in here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=765942
I seam welded back to the #1 body mount, but I did not do the whole thing.
The hardest part is cleaning up the seams (full of oil and /or rust) before
welding. Even then, it was spatter city.
:cheers: :smash: :seeya
I have a close-up of my 70 frame ... crack just starting to form.
You can see it in here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=765942
I seam welded back to the #1 body mount, but I did not do the whole thing.
The hardest part is cleaning up the seams (full of oil and /or rust) before
welding. Even then, it was spatter city.
:cheers: :smash: :seeya
