While working on my brakes the other night, I noticed that I had a very nasty
crack in the frame where the lower A arm rear suspension bracket mounts to
the frame. This is a 1978 federal model so the frame is narrowed at this
point
(due to the cat converter, I guess). The crack is continous around three
sides
of the frame, only the underside is untouched.
I took it to my local body shop and they told me not to drive it anymore
(which
I had kinda figured on) and they could weld it for $350, but wouldn't be able
to
get to it until the second week of December. Argh!
Keeping in mind that a) this is my only daily driver and b) money is
DEFINITELY an issue, I am considering my options:
-Trying to find another body shop that's quicker and/or cheaper. I guess I'll
try to "pre-screen" them by phone since I'm loathe to do much driving...
- Pull the suspension off myself at home and hire a mobile welding company
to come out and weld it. I'm not sure how much this will cost...
-Weld it myself. My equipment (wire feed 110 volt welder) and my skill level
discourage me from attempting to weld such a critical area
- Find a parts car (there are a couple locally of unknown condition and cost)
and swap body shell and drive train. I've never pulled a body shell and I
don't
know how involved this would be.
- Find a used frame of good condition. I KNOW this has to be involved and
time consuming.
What does the list think? Any and all suggestions gratefully welcomed!
Greg Rowe
78 Spitfire - suitable for framing ....
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