How would you fix severly pitted crossmember metal?

[34pickup]

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?

[Kurt in NJ]

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

[deuce_roadster]

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).

[34pickup]

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.

[35fordtn]

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.

[Angledrive]

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

[marko39]

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

[34pickup]

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?

[skidmarks]

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.

[19Fordy]

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.

[34pickup]

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.

[ford38v8]

Originally Posted by 34pickup

I believe I will give it a shot at welding each one, slowly.

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

[Andy]

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

[woodiewagon46]

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.

[bigdoor]

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

[34pickup]

Originally Posted by Andy

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

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

[34pickup]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

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

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

[cas3]

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

[3twinridges]

Originally Posted by cas3

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

lol!

[flatford8]

“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