Is this a big concern(weird welded area)

Suspension related stuff goes in here.
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Fiat88

Is this a big concern(weird welded area)

Post by Fiat88 »

I'm a little concerned about this spot above the front inner fender. The welds look a litle weak, should I have this welded better, can't weld but I would bring it if you guys think it's a structural concern.? Thanks.

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Last edited by Fiat88 on Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.
narfire
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Re: Is this a big concern,

Post by narfire »

I'd say yes, but clean all the undercoat off first. I think you'd get a way better idea as to what is going on there. That looks weird.
80 FI spider
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kmead
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Re: Is this a big concern(weird welded area)

Post by kmead »

Looks like a really badly done crash repair. This is the support leading to the bumper, I believe? I think you are going to want some new sheet metal that is the correct shape and properly attached to whats left.

It will require a fair amount of undercoating removal to know what you really have going on there.

Edit:

I see now its the brace running along just below the top of the fender? Either way, yes its a concern.
Karl

1969 Fiat 850 Sports Coupe
1970 Fiat 124 Sports Coupe
1985 Bertone X1/9
Fiat88

Re: Is this a big concern(weird welded area)

Post by Fiat88 »

I see now its the brace running along just below the top of the fender? Either way, yes its a concern.
I'll scrape some undercoating off tomorrow and take some more pics. This sucks... :(
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manoa matt
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Re: Is this a big concern(weird welded area)

Post by manoa matt »

Protect those electrical wires as they pass through the hole in the sheet metal, they will chafe and create problems with the lights.
Fiat88

Re: Is this a big concern(weird welded area)

Post by Fiat88 »

manoa matt wrote: Expand view Topic review: Is this a big concern(weird welded area)
Will do. Good idea.
spider2081
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Re: Is this a big concern(weird welded area)

Post by spider2081 »

I believe that is a weak area in the Spider chassis. I have seen a couple posts with suggested stiffeners. Not sure they were on this site. If I remember stiffening this area keeps the shock towers from moving in toward the engine. Maybe someone has that damaged channel from a junker that is in good condition and can cut off a section for you. Then it could be spliced in correctly.
I would think you can see some buckling in the metal around that shock tower if you look at it from the engine compartment.
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SLOSpider
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Re: Is this a big concern(weird welded area)

Post by SLOSpider »

I had that on one of my Fiats I had and also had both top shock tower top washers break loose and front crossmember had issues with tightening. Welded the cross member solid to frame, welded new shock tower tops on and welded the top frames as in yours with some extra metal for support. I gave it to the ex-wife when we divorced.......
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