Frame welds 1962

[Chuck D.]

I started a frame off restoration (novice restorer) in November of 2014 on my 1962, 340hp car. After dipping my frame (Auto Restoration Depot) I'm concerned with the quality of welds on the frame cross member. The main area of concern (now that you can see them) is with the welds on the cross member to frame side rails and center plate (top and bottom) of the cross member itself. They look like bubble gum. If you compare these welds with those on the side rails and the other front and rear cross members there is no comparison. I sure would appreciate input from anyone familiar with this area. Thanks for your time.

Chuck (58064)

[Timothy B.]

Re: Frame welds 1962

Chuck,

If you can post a picture of the frame area and welds someone will probably comment on the integrity of the weld.

[Chuck D.]

Re: Frame welds 1962

Hopefully I can pick my frame up end of next week and will do that. A little emotional yesterday and was reacting to the shops comments as to how they looked. Thanks Tim, great suggestion.

[Richard M.]

Re: Frame welds 1962

Chuck, The welds on both C1 and C2 frames in my experiences are a mess. Here are some photos of a 1959 frame. You'll see the sloppy(IMO) welds, and how they dragged the "stick" from one spot to another. This allegedly to keep the "arc" moving.

If yours looks like this, it's common.

Rich
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[Rick A.]

Re: Frame welds 1962

Agree with Richard.

[Chuck D.]

Re: Frame welds 1962

Rick, you have no idea how you have MADE MY DAY!!!! The welds on my frame mostly associated with the cross member are consistent with the pictures you have provided. Thank you so much.

[Richard M.]

Re: Frame welds 1962

Chuck, Yes it's a bit concerning when you first experience a close-up view of the frames on these cars. I suspect it was a case of making production numbers, so the importance of weld appearance was not a major concern.

After paint, they are not as noticeable. This is that same frame from above. BTW, sorry there were so many pics in the above post. I was in a hurry to go out and just did a "select-all" in a file folder I had on a past project.)

P4170001.jpgP4170002.jpgP4170003.jpgP4170004.jpgP4170005.jpgP4170006.jpgP4170007.jpgP4170008.jpgP4170009.jpgP4200030.jpgP4260005.jpgP4280025.jpgP5020041.jpgP5020042.jpgRollingAgain.jpg

I presently am also restoring a C2 frame, and although not as "bubble-gum" looking(I like your phrase) as the C1 frames, it still has evidence of sloppiness at most of the welds.

Rich

[Chuck D.]

Re: Frame welds 1962

Rich, thanks again. I'm moving forward with my frame thanks to your help. I'll be very pleased if it turns out looking like your 2nd. set of pictures. Good luck with your project.