Frame / Springs: Frame cracks

[jpepper]

I am making progress on the chassis for my Superlark. It has the typical crack in the spring pocket originating from the rivet at the rear of the front crossmember. The crack is only about an inch long so easily fixable. I had to remove the front crossmember bottom plate because the original owner towed the car by putting a hook in one of the holes. There is a large tear in the plate. I have a new one for it. I was surprised to find a crack where the crossmember it welded to the top of the frame rail. Studebaker stitch welded this area so there is a high stress origin point where a crack can start. This will get welded the entire length. These frames are almost 60 years old. Inspect them carefully. My car has had a tough life. It was not treated kindly. These cracks were earned.

[firestoper 25]

Jim, as I am new to the Avanti, is this an area I should be VERY curios about? As we know my 63R1089 has also had a very sordid past. Sherm / Green Bay

[StudeRich]

An Avanti would have an 11 Ga. Frame that will survive much better than a 2 Door Sedan with the weakest Frames there were; 13 and 14 on Sixes.

However, that does not mean that you should ignore the advice to check around those Spring pockets, exactly where Jim's Car cracked at the Crossmember to side rail at the spring pocket.

[firestoper 25]

And my education in Studebaker's continues, thanks !

[jpepper]

An Avanti would have an 11 Ga. Frame that will survive much better than a 2 Door Sedan with the weakest Frames there were; 13 and 14 on Sixes.

However, that does not mean that you should ignore the advice to check around those Spring pockets, exactly where Jim's Car cracked at the Crossmember to side rail at the spring pocket.

A standard V8 2dr sedan had 13 Ga frame rails. Convertibles, Hardtops, Station wagons, and all Avanti powered Larks had 11 Ga rails. Even so mine still cracked. The cross members were the same for all. The bottom plate is 14 Ga.

[jpepper]

Jim, as I am new to the Avanti, is this an area I should be VERY curios about? As we know my 63R1089 has also had a very sordid past. Sherm / Green Bay

Yes you should check it. Driving a long time with bad shocks and HD springs contribute to the failure. The upper shock hole on the right side on my frame is elongated because the previous owner drove for a long time with the rubber shock bushings gone.

[firestoper 25]

10-4 Jim.....it IS now on the spring (season) list of to do items...... NOT sorry about the spring pun....it was too easy .

[sweetolbob]

Good work, Jim

While folks are looking for cracks, check the area under the engine mounts. Surprises can lurk there also as did these on my 74 Avanti.




Bob

[PackardV8]

This has been a weak point forever on V8 Studebakers. Most common on the highest torque/heaviest engine of all; the '56J cracked early enough there is a Studebaker Service Bulletin on how to identify and repair the crack with a doubling plate.

jack vines

[mw2013]

i'll be looking for cracks