1967 Frame Sombrero and Receiver Gusset Question

[Richard M.]

Would I be right to assume these gussets and mounts for the differential crossmember got stressed in the past and rewelded? They don't look like normal frame welds to me.

This body was never off the frame and the differential and crossmember was removed and worked on in the past as I can see.

P1020018.jpgP1020019.jpgP1020028.jpgP1020029.jpg

vin_area.jpgP1200056.jpgP1200058.jpgP1200059.jpg

I found some John Hinckley photos here and these look normal to me.....

Gusset_for_Sombrero_WELDS1.jpgGusset_for_Sombrero_WELDS2.jpg

The frame is out at media blasting now so after it comes back it'll be better to see the welds etc.

Rich

[Ray G.]

Re: 1967 Frame Sombrero and Receiver Gusset Question

Hello Rich;
Nice pictures.
Your pictures show what are typical cracks/breaks I've seen as we disassembled Corvette. Race Corvettes have shown bigger cracks reinforced with the body on the frame.
Hope that helps.
Ray

[Bill W.]

Re: 1967 Frame Sombrero and Receiver Gusset Question

My 65 BB was an old drag racer and had several broken welds on the front cross member area .

[Tim G.]

Re: 1967 Frame Sombrero and Receiver Gusset Question

My '67 had one cracked differential mount and one broken ear on the differential cover holding the spring. There wasn't much holding the rear together for all the torque of the big block. Fortunately, bubba welded a traction bar to the cross member and bolted it to the bottom of the spring to reinforce things.

[Richard M.]

Re: 1967 Frame Sombrero and Receiver Gusset Question

Thanks guys, my suspicions tell me that also. A common occurrence with that "extra" torque of the big blocks, and in particular this being a 435HP with that additional "capability".

I may take a ride over to the sandblaster tomorrow and snap a few photos for a better look. I saw him yesterday at a local gas station and he told me he already has half of it done. He has some other large frame related pieces to do too which will take a little more time.

I have gone ahead and ordered replacement gussets and receivers(sombreros) to be ready for the upcoming repairs to the side rail end caps as well. There's quite a bit of pitting on both gussets and I feel it's time to replace them due to condition as well as the marginal weld repairs.

m-3584_66.jpg su-350_67.jpg


Obviously, these repairs were done some time ago with the body on as it's never been off so they couldn't get proper access and I'm unsure of the weld integrity. When the frame comes back to me next week I'll have some more repairs to make. I am very glad we did this chassis over as the further along I got in stripping it down, the more hidden problems I've uncovered.

Thanks,
Rich

Link back to original thread....

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthread.php?108979-1967-Body-Lift-for-Chassis-amp-Frame-Restoration&p=730866#post730866

[John S.]

Re: 1967 Frame Sombrero and Receiver Gusset Question

Richard,
I think you misinterpreted the other answer. I believe (and I am not as knowledgeable as other guys on the DB) that those are original welds. My 65 fuel car had a similar situation on one sombrero and was welded up on the car. Jeff Reade at American Motoring found it and had a welder that he has dealt with for years come over and weld up. For the limited space (Rear end was out of car) he did a wonderful job and I was very pleased with the results.