Help! Crack in frame?

[vanderbilt]

I was fixing a coolant leak in my 70 and to my horror noticed a crack in the frame around one of the unused motor mount holes on the passenger side, top of the rail. I bought the truck about six months ago and can't believe I didn't see this. The question is how do I fix it? I have a mig welder... Can I just run a bead on it or is this something that will require some professional attention? I've tried to attach some photos and would appreciate any advice...
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[vanderbilt]

Here's another view...
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[vanderbilt]

And the truck itself...
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Posted via Mobile Device

[Lattimer]

If the frame is still straight, I would weld it up and then weld in some reinforcing plates.

However, a crack like that would lead me to believe that major front end damage happened at some point. You may have more issues than just that crack. I'd have a shop check it for any additional damage and check to see if the frame is still straight.

[Spartan]

^agreed.
If frame is str8 and no other damage weld n reinforce. Do a search on crack repair on google because there are good ways and lesser ways to repair cracks. My 2 cents
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[snj8198]

since the motor is in the truck right now perhaps a guy could hang 4 plum bobs, one at the front horn and one at a designated spot back further by the fire wall off of each frame rail. Use a tape and cross measure for squareness. This may help desipher if the front is out of wack and give a guy an idea if further investigating is needed before burning iron.

Little surprises like this can catch a guy off gaurd. Good luck with the project. -steve

[54belair]

Verify as best you can if the frame is straight----chek to see if the truck drives straight (flat pavement, measure front tread width then back tread width----wet tires slightly, drive it forward at least one full truck length (or more), see that it is tracking straight-----if its all straight , drill a small hole at the end of the crack to stop any growth of the crack---then lay a good bead on top and on bottom of the crack (if you can get to it). A couple Good welds and it will be stronger than before.

[Tx Firefighter]

Open it up a bit and get a nice full penetration weld to sew the gap up. Shouldn't need to worry about adding reinforcements if the weld is fully penetrated.
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[oldno7]

Dont forget to take the battery out before you weld on it!

[vanderbilt]

I finally found a shop with the interest in welding this for me - and fortunately I got really good vibes from them. Also, the welder thought it was a <$100 job. A belated thanks for all the advice and responses I got on this thread! This site is amazing, and I've been able to answer so many of my questions just using the search function. If I have a question, chances are it's been asked more than once here.

[70blackfish]

did you go to a frame shop? need to know how the crack got there...

[ole dollor]

bad news on the crack....hope you get it fixed and everything is o k .

[GASoline71]

Originally Posted by Tx Firefighter

Open it up a bit and get a nice full penetration weld to sew the gap up. Shouldn't need to worry about adding reinforcements if the weld is fully penetrated.
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This...

Gary

[RManson]

Drill a small hole at the end of the crack to ensure it doesn't propagate, then weld it up. Ensuring first that the damage is local to just the crack as mentioned above.