I started stripping all the peripherals off the frame to get it ready to be blasted and much to my surprise, found this frame repair and damage. What the hell could have done this? Any suggestions on what my next plan should be?
What do I do now?
- Thread starter Phalen409
- Start date
A little different in detail but looks like the same problem as addressed here for a 60, although the reinforcing plate is for the frame welds, not the bracket as yours is.
http://www.348-409.com/forum/threads/1960-rear-upper-control-arm-repair-tsb.21420/
http://www.348-409.com/forum/threads/1960-rear-upper-control-arm-repair-tsb.21420/
Cecil,
While I did not show it clearly, there was definitely a weld failure between the bracket and frame. Maybe the previous owner did not catch it and romped down on it and broke it all to hell at that point. The weld failure is a clean separation from the frame. Hope a good frame shop can put it right. The new motor that is going to be built will certainly test that part of the frame. At least that's my current plan. Thanks for the insight.
D
While I did not show it clearly, there was definitely a weld failure between the bracket and frame. Maybe the previous owner did not catch it and romped down on it and broke it all to hell at that point. The weld failure is a clean separation from the frame. Hope a good frame shop can put it right. The new motor that is going to be built will certainly test that part of the frame. At least that's my current plan. Thanks for the insight.
D
I had my frame break there on my 65 convert which had a 10 bolt rear that only has the one upper arm and I had put a 4 speed in it and I guess I dumped the clutch too many times too hard . I was able to have a welding shop fix it and it looked really good and held up to my 396.
If it were mine, I would replace that section. That area is inherently weak, as it came from GM.
I welded mine solid, all the way top to bottom, both sides. Then, I made plates to bolt in at each arm (double)
attaching point. Then, I made struts going from each arm down to the frame.
Something to think about.
Depends on how you'll be driving the car.
Just sayin'.
I welded mine solid, all the way top to bottom, both sides. Then, I made plates to bolt in at each arm (double)
attaching point. Then, I made struts going from each arm down to the frame.
Something to think about.
Depends on how you'll be driving the car.
Just sayin'.
Agreed, Randy. This thread scares me . I've had some reinforcing done on mine but not nearly enough. Plans are to get the car together ,,, hope to get this year in the books and then do much more for strength next winter. That area must take massive abuse.
This is a very common problem on these cars. I'm in agreement with the guys that say make it stronger when you fix it.
I think GM added a little re-enforcement tab in about 63 or 64
and I also think Showcars may sell them.
You can just add a piece of metal going ahead to the inside of the frame. If I remember right it's tricky to get something to work really well because of the angles and the need to leave room to access the bolts, but it's not that hard to figure something out.
I think GM added a little re-enforcement tab in about 63 or 64
and I also think Showcars may sell them. You can just add a piece of metal going ahead to the inside of the frame. If I remember right it's tricky to get something to work really well because of the angles and the need to leave room to access the bolts, but it's not that hard to figure something out.
http://www.globalwest.net/ts-84r.html
Global west supplies this brace, I have not tried them myself yet. I see the price has gone up since the last time I checked on them.
Global west supplies this brace, I have not tried them myself yet. I see the price has gone up since the last time I checked on them.
http://www.chevy409performanceparts.com/63-late-64-409-rear-upper-control-arm-reinforcement-pass
Show-Cars provides this brace. I'm not sure on the price, it may be $36.00 for each.
Show-Cars provides this brace. I'm not sure on the price, it may be $36.00 for each.
Many years ago, a good friend of mine yanked the motor &4-speed and sent a real '63 409 body to the junkyard because of the exact same thing.
I really like the global west product
That's depressing!
396 Chevelles used a brace from the upper arm and over to the frame which seemed to work well.
http://www.npdlink.com/store/produc...r_reinforcement_originally_used-116492-8.html
http://www.npdlink.com/store/produc...r_reinforcement_originally_used-116492-8.html
Kaycee
Well Known Member
I just redid mine this winter ,mine was ripping the frame wall,it was all patched together looked like sh#$.So I removed it all and put a plate on frame wall I have a parts so I removed the cross brace from it and rewelded it back together in my 63.Allso added the drvs side torque arm now we should be ready to rock this pig and I only have a 327.I was looking on youtube and some of the low rider people just put a small plate in there so they can get the travel for the hippity hop.Any competent welder can make a decent brace like they said above alot easier if the body is off the frame.
