Well well well...

Where my battery is mounted (1968 Camaro) on the front right hand side of the engine compartment, there is a *&%$load of rust! I assume one of the previous owners just ignored it as it happily rusted away and now I have to deal with it.

Unfortunately for me, the front 6" of the front clip are almost rusted all the way through. It really looks like it is hanging on by a thread.

What should I do? I am not too thrilled about getting a whole new front clip or anything, can I get away with just welding in some new metal - after ridding the clip of the old rust of course!

It isn't really a big "load bearing" part of the clip, it just holds up the radiator and the little crossbar that goes above the radiator. Obviously, I want to do something about this, but in the most cost-effective and simple manner.

Thanks guys!!!
Kyle

From what I can gather from your post, I believe you are speaking about the core support. That's the piece the radiator bolts to. If that's the case, it is a critical piece of the car's structure. All of the car's front sheetmetal alignment is based on the core support and the cowl. If you take away either one from the equasion, you will have a problem. The core support needs to be replaced, if that,s the part you refer to. Another part that can be your problem is the inner fender, which sits below the battery tray. While not critical (some racers run without them), a street car looks a little strange without them.
Either of these parts are readily available from reproduction parts houses at around $85.00.

No, it is the part below the core support - part of the frame of the car! That is why I am so worried, because it is much more important than the core support.

-Kyle

are you refering to the front sub-frame?

Frames are welded all the time. A good weld will be very strong.Also, used subframes are out there and shouldn't run more than $175-$200. I would wonder what your body mounts are like, too.

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Rick Dorion
69 RS Conv,355,M20,4.10's

OK thanks guys. Yes it was the subframe, and I the body mounts (the part right above the sub frame?) is pretty messed up too. There is a huge visible trail directly from the battery straight down of acid eaten metal and rust.

I am going to be welding it up on Monday it looks like, so I can keep you guys posted if anything else pops up.

Kyle