Welded Crossmember

[SiFi]

I have just bought a 1977 Fiat Spider in good condition. There are a few issues that need attention including replacing all the suspension components.

I have just found out that the crossmember has been welded to the body. The bolts are still in place.

Depending on who I have spoken too (various mechanics & online info), this ranges from a serious problem which would should be immediately repaired to just leaving it....

Just looking for some expert advice or opinions on what I should do.

Any help appreciated

Simon
Australia

[ITA124]

Hi Simon,

Welcome to the forum. Do you have photos of where it is welded?

Where in Aus are you located, if your in Syd come to our Concorso D'Eleganza 12Sep10 http://www.fiatclub.com.au/. There are many spider and 124 owners down here.

You might also want to try http://www.turbo124.com/forum/. They are great for all things 124 and predominately AUS based.

[So Cal Mark]

welding the crossmember is the cheaper, quicker fix. As long as there aren't cracks next to the welds it should be okay. The down side is that it is now pretty difficult to remove the crossmember

[Fiat88]

My crossmember looks welded also. I was looking at it yesterday and noticed 2 bolts on one side near the wheel well, one was missing a nut and the other had a loose one. I'm kinda concerned about it will take pics tomorrow and post them in a seperate thread.

[ace124]

My crossmember looks welded also. I was looking at it yesterday and noticed 2 bolts on one side near the wheel well, one was missing a nut and the other had a loose one. I'm kinda concerned about it will take pics tomorrow and post them in a seperate thread.

Thats why Fiat recommend checking crossmember bolts every oil change.
Even the owners manual details this.
Otherwise they become loose enough to allow the cross member to move around thus cracking the metal in the rails from metal fatigue, or you will break the welds on the captive bolts in the chassis member... not good either way.

[BEEK]

repairing the mounting bolts and metal fatigue is the proper way. but i have seen, and have done. welding a crossmember into a car. ususally the customer didnt have the funds to properly repair the car. as long as the crossmember was positioned properly before welding and the welds are good, there is not a problem. the down side is if the crossmember should become damaged, its alot more work to remove it. then the frame rails can be repaired properly. so, if the crossmember is in good condition and welded into place, not a problem, drive and enjoy the car.