47-55.1 Welding MII boxing plates

[whitedog76]

Ok, is there a particular welding method that works the best? I have the boxing plates tacked in, cleaned up. The transmission/bellhousing crossmember is still in place as is the front radiator support. I have also added a piece of angle iron across where the steering gear was, fastened with 1/2” bolts.

So, is it better to start in the middle and work outwards? Or end to end? Work top, bottom, top, bottom? How about side to side?

From a personal standpoint, I’m thinking of only doing one side at a time and letting it cool in between.

I’ve also seen where it is recommended to install the crossmember before final welding. Since I’ll be laying on my back and I’m not a small guy, that doesn’t seem feasible.

I know it’s hard to come back from a warped frame rail. Am I over-thinking it?