Mopar Muscle Association UK

Hi Guys

I'm a bit down cast as the old motor failed its MOT.
I have a cracked chassis rail just ahead of my steering box.
on further inspection with a big screw driver it seems all is not well. so have spent the afternoon digging out the rust.

couple of questions as i can't weld

Is that fixable in that position without me cutting off the steering box mount?

do i need to cut out the metal to make a nice equal sided hole to make welding a patch in easier?

what should i make the patch from? can i just get a smashed door from a the local garage or should i be getting something akin to angle iron welded in.

in fact anyone got any off cuts from doing chassis connectors they want to send me?

cheers

Dave

They all do that mate! Standard Oz repair. Mine was already done when I got it. I'd get a good chunky bit of metal welded in there.

This is a typical problem on RHD cars, the box is bolted to the frame rail (rather than the much more substantial K frame) which flexes and this is the result. I'm pretty sure one of the Oz parts suppliers has a kit to repair and brace the chassis, Bratfink will know who. I would suggest having a look at one and either bring one in or base your repair on it. Not one of the most pleasant jobs, but at least it isn't cracked on the engine side, 'cos that's an engine out job to fix properly.

HP do repair sections that you fit over the original and weld in. I have one f you are really stuck.

On my Aussie Charger I cut back to good steel as far as I dared. Then I made two cardboard templates for the outside and bottom (inside and top were OK) that extended to anything REALLY solid.

Then using the carboard templates I cut out the two pieces from steel plate and dressed them with the grinder and a hand file for a perfect fit before welding them over the chassis rail with a complete seam weld.

I left the repair visable (although under a good coat of underseal) so that any MOT man could inspect it. I was confident that it would pass any inspection.

Not that I ever took that chance of course. The rear brakes were rotten and it was only £18 for a fake MOT in those days.

Anyway. Shame on you for not being able to weld! Cut out the steel and get a mate to do it. It will cost you next to nothing.

Many thanks for the advice guys

Kev: -
will do
Blue: -
Luckily only this side
James: - Many thanks for the offer but unless it all falls to bits i think i'll we'll try a patch this time.
Dave

I think i'm going to get me some 2-3mm thick stuff and make a nice L shaped piece which will cover the mount on the short length and the side of the rail on the long

then cut a nice bit for the bottom.



can't weld....

well i have a good idea how to, and have quite happliy made lots of bird poo and blown holes in things, struck the arc off none of the parts that need welding etc..... I need more practice where access is easier and i'm not on my back . Gas welding big chunks together yeah i can do that provided its horizontal but thats about it.


Dave

Hi. If you get stuck and would like a hand to do the welding, I only live in Walton. And although I dont have much time during the week, with it getting dark early and it being close to Christmas having busy weekends! If you not in a hurry to get it sorted, you are more than welcome to PM me.

Very Kind sir

I already have a very nice man from the club coming to have a look on thursday. If he can't assist for some unforeseen issue then i would be daft not to invite you down for a look as well.

Lets face it if it can't be fixed in its current state then its going to have to be an engine and front suspension removal. in which case it will be well past Christmas before anything gets done.


I have had some very kind offers from club members
some of which have been to do with the car

I'd like to take this oportunity to Thank you all


Dave

Good Luck Dave; and a further demonstration of what a great Club (and messageboard) it is!

Hope you get back on the road soon and with a minimum of cost and hassle.