Cracked frame head, what are my options?

[Ratt]

Im working on my Dune Buggy. I went to remove the beam, and instead of the bolt coming out, it just ripped the welded socket out of the frame head. And once the Beam was removed, I noticed the crack under the bolt hole.

So what are my options. Im thinking sense the Buggy wont see much, if any real trail use, I can just weld the crack, and weld a washer over the hole, and use a really long bolt with a locking nut to attach the lower bolt to the beam.

[Dale M.]

IF it were me, I would place a sleeve through hole and tack it into place, and put a patch plate (with hole for sleeve) on rear of hole and weld patch to frame head, then weld sleeve to patch plate.... And same on front side if necessary... The reason for sleeve is so you do not compress frame head when tightening bolt and just collapse hollow section of frame head, the sleeve gives you a solid thickness of material to tighten long bolt against...The reason for a"patch plate" is to have solid material to work with/weld too... Broken/cracked areas are metal fatigued and will fail in future if you just run a bead across it.... Yes long bolt and nylock nut would do just fine...

For long horizontal crack under bolt hole, I would take a cutting disk and slightly enhance crack and then weld it... Tiny gap or "V" groove gives more area for weld penetration.... Then cleanup as necessary...

Dale
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“Fear The Government That Wants To Take Your Guns" - Thomas Jefferson.

"Kellison Sand Piper Roadster" For Street & Show.
"Joe Pody Sandrover" Buggy with 2180 for Autocross (Sold)
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All suggestions and advice are purely my own opinion. You are free to ignore them if you wish ...