welding frame seams?

[GregS_72]

When doing the frame repair & strengthening, did you also weld in the frame seams in the areas skipped over at the factory? Why or why not?

Thanks

[MaineVette]

I filled some of the gaps in on my frame. By adding more weld where the gaps are you create a closed frame rail rather than a quasi-closed frame rail. The result is a stronger and stiffer frame.

I filled in the gaps mostly near the front and rear of the frame where the suspension components tie into the frame. I felt those were high stress/high flex areas where a bit of extra weld might do a bit of good.

All in all I don't think filling in the weld gaps makes a huge difference. Maybe if you plan to do road racing or really plan to drive your car hard. But, for the way most of us drive on the street, I think anyone would be hard pressed to notice a difference.

[GregS_72]

thanks... I've decided to go ahead and do the skip welds. Figured I might as well get at them now while I can. It's been slow going lately, but have the gussets done now and just flipped the frame over to do the skip welds on the bottom. Hope to get them done this weekend, and then the plan is to send it out to media blasting and powdercoating.

[MaineVette]

Yeah, it's pretty easy to do when the bodys off.

I'm not sure if you looked at my web updates where I installed the frame gussets and then did the steering system installation. If you haven't be mindful that you need to leave adequate clearance for the fuel pump and idler arm. Otherwise you'll need to cut the gussets out later like other poor fool I know who shall remain nameless.

[GregS_72]

yep, did catch that in your updates... helps to have your work to learn from! I made cardboard templates with everything still in place to check for gusset clearance. Hoping that works out!