Does this rear frame rail repair look ok? 74 cuda.

[challengerminded]

Just wanted some opinions on this repair. first I cut out the factory rusted spot welds. Then welded in patch pieces, which I do not think are strong at all. So then I fabricated 14 gauge plates and plug welded these from the outside. Then put short weld beads on the top.

I know I could have used rear rail replacements, but I was concerned about not being able to get them lined up.

Anyway this is my first post here, so please check the pics out and let me know if you think I'll be alright...I'm just making a driver.
Thanks,
Chris.

[Challenger6pak]

Difficult to tell without seeing it in person.  What year is your Cuda?

[the_engineers]

Chris, your pics disappeared.  You might want to host them on Photobucket.

[challengerminded]

That was a photobucket copy. OK, I copied from my pc this time.

[wagesofsin]

now i think i see what you did.
i would of just cut out the affected area , and remade the rail out of 14 ga.
the layered pcs. in my opinion would be compoundedly stronger if stitched all the way around.

see here.

[challengerminded]

I did cut out the affected area first, but I dont trust the butt welds I did. I'll post smaller pics of this. Sorry for the large pics first time around. I could not preview the pictures before I posted.

[Challenger6pak]

You could leave everything like you have it and then completely weld all around the inserts you put on the inside of the frame. The frame should be pretty strong that way.

[torredcuda]

That will definitely add some strength once you get the trunk floor welded down to it.

[challengerminded]

OK, well I already welded the trunk floor in, and I'm still second guessing myself about the frame rails. I could not get the welding tip into the rails to weld those plates completely around, I tried.
The plug welds into the plates inside the rails were 3/8 inch, they seem really strong. Also, I am going to weld in either 14 gauge or 1/8 steel, bent at an angle, from the rear of the trunk (rear cross piece) to the tail panel since that section did not come with the two piece trunk. Trunk floor is also plug welded every two inches along rails.
I need to keep moving on this project and the rails held me up for awhile now... but if I need to cut them out, it needs to happen now before I get the drop-offs welded on.

Thanks for your replies.

[Challenger6pak]

I think you will be fine.  I have seen guys race with quarter size holes in the frame rails for years.

[challengerminded]

Thats what I'm thinking too, I picked this car up two years ago, and it was an inspected daily driver from NY. It had most of the spot welds holding the rear frame to the shackle bracket rusted out. And when I took the carpet out, you can see the trunk...no support there. I dont know how the car was being supported. I guess these cars are really light back there.

[elitecustombody]

it should be fine,don't sweat it

[E-Body Products]

Hold till the cows come home.  I like to see do it yourself members getting the job done.

[challengerminded]

Thanks, and thanks for the do it yourself comment. Probably like alot of mopar guys, I dont have alot of money, just desire. I'm restoring as much of this e-body as I can.

Tail Panel repair...