"Point of diminishing returns"

Well, I got my engine running smooth again today, installed a new throttle cable, and took some measurements for the T5. Good day. And then I got under the rear end to try and find an ID tag for my 3rd member. I started looking at the trunk area and.......my frame is cracked. Both sides, right over the axle. This is on top of the quarters and quarter/trunk seam needing patched. I'm at the point now where I'm not sure I can justify saving this car. Between the car, and all the parts I've got about a car and a half. Now I'm trying to decide If I just need to gut this car and look for a shell, or press on and have it welded up. Any suggestions from the older and wiser out there?

 

Nothin a little JB Weld can't fix, or if you're low on cash, just chew up some bubblegum and slap it on.

Nah but seriously... Sorry to hear about that, why not have a shop take a look at it? When my rear shock mounts broke off, I had 'em re-weld with some extra metal in there to hold things together, as a structural bracing, of sorts.

 

Weld her up... these cars are extremely easy to repair, no sense in trashing a decent car... Look at the bright side. I am going to be replacing both quarters, some of the trunk pan, some of the core support, inner fender apron under the battery, in addition to all the floor pan work I am currently working on... so your split seams and cracked frame seem like a godsend to me

 

I'd be more concerned with how it got cracked. I'd be sure the body is straight before having it welded up.

 

Yeah, it's defenitely going to a shop for a look over, I can only guess as to what caused it.

 

I had a 1970 maverick that had cracks in the rear frame rails, right at the top of arch. Somebody before me had a trailer hitch welded to the frame rails.

 

That's exactly where this one is cracked, no evidence of any towing though.

 

That's the problem with Ford engines, they make so much torque and horsepower that they eventually crack the cars they're tossed into.

 

One of my theories is that somebody was running slicks at one point and hooked up so hard it cracked the frame.

 

Hmmm... I wonder who?

 

Gusset plates (doublers) and weld it up! it will be stronger than it ever was before.

 

Plus, if I ever have to sell it, I can spin it as "frame reinforcement".

 

If you ever have to sell it you can be sure that they probably won't see it or have any need to see it.
Yes, tell them it has the "tow" package on it!

 

LMAO Tow package

 

hey, the van i'm tearin down with my dad has one of those bolt-on tow packages. maybe i could make it fit the mav and stiffen it up there and have a hauler-mav.