How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

I have an original front crossmember for a 32 Ford that is severely pitted in places. What would be an acceptable method of repairing this? It has too many contours and angles for me to replace the metal. I do not have a metal shop, just work in my garage. Do you think leading would work?

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

It has a crack too -- near the motor mount hole, ---- find a better one?, sandblast, weld cracks, fill with epoxy

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

Yes, V out and weld up all cracks. I would use All Metal if I wasn't replacing the whole thing (which probably contains epoxy).

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

I thought of filling pits in with weld but that might warp it. Its made of unobtainium and almost impossible to find a better one. I have two that look the same. I also thought of a plastic like filler, it had bondo in the pits when I got it.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

Personally, I’d do as deuce roadster suggested and v cut the cracks and weld, and use a GOOD filler for the pits

The most ideal fix would be filling each pit using a TIG welder and grinding back smooth, but for the time involved; I wouldn’t go that route.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

As said weld up the cracks and then use All Metal on clean sandblasted surface.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

For filling those pits I would use Devcon as this stuff hardens like steel.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

I am not worried about the cracks, I know they must be welded.

My concern is the aesthetic looks of the pits. I wonder if the use of plastic filler would be like we say down here.."redneck".

I have not heard of All Metal. Is that like metal in a plastic like base?

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

Sandblast and weld up the deep pits. Weld a few and grind them down and repeat. That way you dont gouge up or over grind and make a mess.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

If it were mine, I would very patiently apply a touch of tack weld to each little pit and then grind it smooth - each time giving it a chance to cool between welds. I know it would take a while but since it's such a rare piece,it's worth it and would give you a great feeling of accomplishment only you will know.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

I believe I will give it a shot at welding each one, slowly. Hey, I am retired, I have plenty of time, or the rest of my life...
I first bought this car in 1974 so its not like I am in a hurry to flip it or anything.
Thanks for the suggestions.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

Don't weld slowly. Tack one then go to another. Give it time to cool and grind flush in between tacks.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

Is the other end as bad? I may be able to help.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

I would fill the pitting with silver solder, grind it smooth and use a skim coat of filler. As far as the crack, "v" it out and TIG weld it. As others have suggested, '32 front crossmembers ar not easily obtained.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

well out here in the desert we would weld the cracks grind the weld paint it bolt it on and drive it

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

Yep, the only non pitted part is the middle where a common repair was made at the spring mount.

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

I didn't mean weld slowly, I meant that I am in no hurry .

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

i got to agree with big door, paint it and get on with life. if its an open wheeled car where it will be seen, then bondo is a wonderful product. ever try to get a gob you spilled off a dirty, dusty, oily floor? if its going to be a restored car, once the fenders and radiator are in place it wont be seen unless some guy has your hood up and his face down next to the frame, at which point i would kick him in the butt and close the hood

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

lol!

Re: How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?
 

“unless some guy has your hood up and his face down next to the frame, at which point i would kick him in the butt and close the hood“
Haha....I love this answer!!....Mark