Crack near shock tower

[j_eclipse96]

Hey guys, my car was in an accident before I bought it, and the shop that repaired the passenger side front frame section did a real shoddy job on it. Its rusted pretty bad, and it looks like they barely ground the paint down before they welded. You can even see through holes in it. It looks like ass.

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f296/j_eclipse96/STP60386.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f296/j_eclipse96/STP60387.jpg
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f296/j_eclipse96/STP60388.jpg

I was thinking it could be ground down then welded and painted. One of my friends thinks I could patch it with fiberglass after cleaning it up, but I was thinking it may break, it being so close to the shock tower and all. With either option, I would need to run some kind of automotive caulk on the under side, correct? What would you guys recommend to fix this? Let me know, thanks.

 

[Locke]

I agree, thats a crappy repair.

Make sure your alignment is proper, then just clean it up and weld it together. Prime and paint both top and bottom to prevent is from rusting again.

 

[j_eclipse96]

I agree, thats a crappy repair.

Make sure your alignment is proper, then just clean it up and weld it together. Prime and paint both top and bottom to prevent is from rusting again.

Alright cool, thanks.

Anyone have any input on the fiberglass idea? I have experience fiberglassing and so that route would not require hiring someone to do it.

 

[DarthBulk]

Don't use fiberglass. You will only be disappointed in about a year, when it starts to crack or rust through again. It will add nothing of note to the strength in that area, and corrosion will fester beneath it. Fiberglass should only be used on top of a properly repaired, fully sealed base, if you need to smooth out some lines for appearance's sake. That's my opinion.

 

[Booztit]

x2 for no fiberglass
It s only a matter of time of when it s gonna crack
+ like the poster above said, if you dont paint it it s only gonna rust more , and it spreads fast !
Do it once,l do it right

 

[j_eclipse96]

Alright, thanks guys. I'll grind it down and have someone weld it up for me, then grind again and prime & paint it. I'll post pics after its done.

 

[Locke]

Your upper control arm attaches in that area, so make sure the alignment is good.