I have spent the last few evening/weeks measuring, checking, remeasuring and cutting the steel for my engine cradle. I have had nightmare trying to support the engine as I construct a cradle in situ. Finally had it sorted and got my cradle fully tacked together. I was thrilled. It fitted, it looked ok and I had welded it... Then came the full welding session to complete. This was a mistake. I blew a hole in a critical part of the cradle that I dont have materials to replace. Now I am depressed and wondering how far I could throw said cradle..... Why do we build these cars again?

how big a hole have you blown?

James

Around 10mmx10mm in a bit of box 25x25x40mm. It is a mouting point for the engine, so I dont want to risk anything failing. I initially thought - I'll bodge it, then alarm bells started ringing so I have lopped it off, and ground it down ready for another go once I have sourced materials to make another mount. Ho hum.

Gussets or plates or both.

Could be stronger than the original design with a bit of thought and could cover up the prolem.

That may yet be an option. Either way it had to come off to see what I had and to clean up the weld, but I may end up repairing if I cant replace. I am so annoyed with myself right now!

Don't berate yourself too harshly! Everyone goes through these things at some point or another...
Take 5 and you will go at it so much better next time!

Steve

I feel I owe myself a good slap as I did a beautiful test weld (on 2 bits of 2mm thick box) then I didn't remember I was only welding 1.6mm on the job, and left the settings/technique unchanged (hence the cross feeling!)... Cheers for the support fella. Much appreciated.

10mm is zip

put the tube on it's side and weld up the hole. It will end up stonger by far than anything else.

Ok, thanks. Well I ahve spare material now, so I will try to repair. Failing that I will make a new one. Is there a problem (SVA wise) with repairing then grinding down the weld? I know they don't like you doing it on chassis welds etc, but what else would that apply to?