Frame Connectors...getting good at these baby's!

[Donny]

The owner of a Mustang I took in for a media blast, epoxy prime, floor replacements, qtr installations, outer wheelhouse installations, trunk floor installation, put his car on his rotisserie, then, went to cut off the aforementioned parts -- well not all of them, but enough to put the car in a very precarious position strength wise. Basically, he's a guy that's a self admitted TV Car show watcher learning from what he sees on the TV boob tube which is pure fiction. I say pure fiction because those of us that actually DO this work daily, then, see these shows get the same work done in 30 minutes which generates a lot of business for me, and others that do this sort of work, but, sadly, too often the owners get too anxious and eager, thinking welding, and related crafts are easy, and a few youtube videos later they can master it. Useful idiots. This is one reason why I bitch all the time about going to a plumber for plumbing needs, go to a welder for welding needs, no one is, and can be an expert in all areas, period. This owner of this Mustang is a good example of this. Anyways, I told him he absolutely needs Frame Connectors, no question, period.

Well, he said sure, go ahead and make 'em. And BTW, owner listened to his car-show buddies that said "The floors look fine". This was before media blasting. He bought 4 floor panels. Before I did ANYTHING, I immediately welded in (properly) the two rear floor pans, then blasted it, then told the owner he should have bought at least 2 complete floor pan sections, left, and right, front to rear. But, alas...he bought 8 sections including two lower firewall sections...LOTS of welding, again, back asswards thanks to TV shows...and, you know the deal!

So, I have! I told him these would egress into the rear passenger foot well area as I would have to cut the floor allowing them into the rear torque box. I got one made and mocked in yesterday, and, I'm pretty proud of this baby! Here's one pic, taken with my phone, I have more on my camera, which I will post later. Yeah, its not a Mopar, but the principles are the same except our B Bodies don't require as extensive modifications as these little Ford bodies do. But, since this is a good forum to display this stuff, and, the related tasks for perhaps other cars' needs, enjoy! As I said, more coming later...

 

[Al K]

Thank you,Donny. It refreshing to hear from someone who "is there,does that" and avoids the unnecessary b.s. and drama. All of us can learn from someone like you-and many of us have. Gratitude sent your way.

As connectors are something I want to add to the Sport Fury,your advice will be sought.

By the way...when will your Saturday morning show air? Sorry,bud;the door was open and a resident smart-*** walked in. I wonder who that could be?

 

[Donny]

 

[snakeoil24]

You need a little more heat on the frame welds, otherwise a great looking job.

 

[Donny]

Its that balance point...what I need is run .023 or .030 wire vs. .035, more amps is a no-go with the thicker wire I'm running, plus, these are raw welds, yet undressed and ground down, there's a few in there that I had the ground too far away...

- - - Updated - - -

Some areas were 'dirty' and I could not clean, like these plug welds in the frame, it yielded a messy weld, solid, but, messy, but the above butt welds and combo lap welds amps are spot on.