if there's going to be any welding ,make sure to
disconnect the battery AND the alternator. I didn't and
it cost me an alt.
Dave Gebhard
----- Original Message -----
From: Chris Taylor <spitfire@worldchat.com>
To: <Growe58@aol.com>
Cc: <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 11, 1999 9:22 PM
Subject: Re: Cracked frame - ideas???
Growe58@aol.com wrote:
> While working on my brakes the other night, I noticed
that I had a very nasty
> crack in the frame where the lower A arm rear
suspension bracket mounts to
> the frame. This is a 1978 federal model so the frame
is narrowed at this
> point
> (due to the cat converter, I guess). The crack is
continous around three
> sides
> of the frame, only the underside is untouched.
>
> I took it to my local body shop and they told me not
to drive it anymore
> (which
> I had kinda figured on) and they could weld it for
$350, but wouldn't be able
> to
> get to it until the second week of December. Argh!
>
> Keeping in mind that a) this is my only daily driver
and b) money is
> DEFINITELY an issue, I am considering my options:
>
> -Trying to find another body shop that's quicker
and/or cheaper. I guess I'll
> try to "pre-screen" them by phone since I'm loathe to
do much driving...
> - Pull the suspension off myself at home and hire a
mobile welding company
> to come out and weld it. I'm not sure how much this
will cost...
> -Weld it myself. My equipment (wire feed 110 volt
welder) and my skill level
> discourage me from attempting to weld such a critical
area
> - Find a parts car (there are a couple locally of
unknown condition and cost)
> and swap body shell and drive train. I've never
pulled a body shell and I
> don't
> know how involved this would be.
> - Find a used frame of good condition. I KNOW this
has to be involved and
> time consuming.
>
> What does the list think? Any and all suggestions
gratefully welcomed!
>
> Greg Rowe
> 78 Spitfire - suitable for framing ....
Greg
I swapped frames on my 75 Spit last winter and it took
about
six weeks of working evenings to do it but was
definitely worth
it. In your case you might be further ahead to go with
your plan
of stripping the suspension yourself and having amobile
welding company
repair it. I'm sure it would be quicker and the cost
shouldn't be too
bad as these companies usually charge by the hour.
Hope this helps
Chris Taylor
75 Spitfire
Burlington, Ontario
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