'72 Convertible

"Bruce Grant" <bruceg RemoveThis @abs.net> wrote in message
news:MPG.1ca6b481c2823b209896f9@news.abs.net...
 >
 >
  >> About two years ago or so I posted about my '72 Cutlass Convertible and
  >> how
  >> the frame is cracked after years of living in Cleveland, OH. I detailed
  >> (rambled on about) my travels with it halfway across the country and back
  >> and how I'm now living in Charlotte, NC with it and wondering what to do.
  >> I
  >> thank everyone who posted responses if you remember this your memory is
  >> very
  >> good. Anyway, there were a few comments and ideas, suggestions that I get
  >> rid of it and work toward getting another one - all comments and ideas
  >> have
  >> been taken under grateful consideration I do have to say. However, I'm
  >> now
  >> in a position where I might be able to fix it up. I've moved and have
  >> space,
  >> access to tools and people who are willing to help me on this project.
 >
 > Where is and how bad is the crack? You may be able to weld a plate to
 > the frame acroos the crack. This would be much easier and cheaper than
 > replacing the entire frame.
 > --
 > Bruce
 > Westminster, Md
 > 1981 Cutlass Supreme, 403, TH350, 3.89 9" Ford

Hey there,

The crack is below the driver's seat - actually directly below the seat
belt. Overall though, the damage is extensive and due to salt from it living
(with me) in Cleveland. The car was driven for about seven years on salted
streets, then stored in a barn and driven once a year around the yard for
about three years. Then I got it and at that time it was pretty bad though
not rusted through or cracked. After I drove it for a while, it was then
stored again in a garage, reconditioned in 1989/90 (new top, shocks and
springs, trunk lid and some other things I don't remember) and at that point
was when I first noticed that there was a problem or that there would be a
problem. At that time I had needed a car and so I drove it until 1994 when I
noticed the cracked frame. Having other vehicular options (as it were), I
drove those then and just kept the Cutlass. Now and since, I've moved it
with me from New Jersey, back to Ohio, down to Texas and then to Charlotte,
where I've moved it three times. Each move has been on a car carrier or
rollback wrecker. I haven't had the time or the ability (financially or
space-wise) to work on the car until now (where it's mostly that I have the
space and access to tools).

All this involved, including knowing that I'll have to rebuild the engine
(who knows what condition that is in), to me it's a worthwhile project. I
have friends who are interested in helping, as well as a 13 year old son
that would benefit from a project like this. Basically what I'm after now is
information on how to approach it.

Thanks for your quite valid question. To answer it directly, the crack, as I
said, is right below the driver's side seat and underneath where the seat
belt pull is located. How bad is it? It's gotten much worse, that much I can
say. It is most of the way through and it does not appear to me to have a
place that you can weld anything to as it's quite rusty under there.

Bottom line is that I'm glad I don't live in a salt-belt anymore.

Thanks,

Stan.<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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