Engine cradle rust damage - cause for concern? (Page 1/2)
Cunnive JUL 09, 02:53 PM
Just wanted to get some thoughts on this. It is the only spot on the engine cradle where this is happening and when I push on it firmly in the weak spots, it moves a little. I was wondering if I should do anything here? What do yall experts suggest?

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by Cunnive (edited 07-09-2021).]

Boozeman JUL 09, 04:30 PM
Personally, I'd say it's a cause for concern. If it were me, I'd either cut the rusty area out and weld in a new piece of steel, or at least clean the area up with a wire wheel and weld a steel plate over it. That's not going to get any better on its own.

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Matthew_Fiero JUL 09, 04:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by Boozeman:

Personally, I'd say it's a cause for concern. If it were me, I'd either cut the rusty area out and weld in a new piece of steel, or at least clean the area up with a wire wheel and weld a steel plate over it. That's not going to get any better on its own.




Agreed. This needs to be repaired. If you don't have access or skills for grinding/welding I would recommend trying to find someone locally. The longer you wait the worse it will likely get.

Matthew_Fiero
Dennis LaGrua JUL 09, 04:55 PM
x 2. I would grind that spot clean and mig weld a plate over it. The steel used on blank plates for a 4" electric box seems to be strong enough. Just sand away the coating and weld.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Cunnive JUL 09, 07:10 PM

Ok thanks for the info! I'll definitely get this fixed!

Do I need to worry about the steel plate being too thick once it's welded on?
theogre JUL 09, 07:33 PM
Yes is a problem.

Above "fixes" likely won't fix the cradle or worse, make it weaker and fail w/o warning.

Most times Rust holes in one spot isn't the only area w/ big problems. Other areas are likely rusted inside making metal Very Thin and just didn't make holes, yet.
Any shop in states w/ high road salt can tell you this too and most won't touch that cradle or maybe whole car after inspection.

Better find a good cradle then "repair" a spot.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

Dennis LaGrua JUL 09, 08:31 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

Yes is a problem.

Above "fixes" likely won't fix the cradle or worse, make it weaker and fail w/o warning.

Most times Rust holes in one spot isn't the only area w/ big problems. Other areas are likely rusted inside making metal Very Thin and just didn't make holes, yet.
Any shop in states w/ high road salt can tell you this too and most won't touch that cradle or maybe whole car after inspection.

Better find a good cradle then "repair" a spot.




Fieros are all over 30 years old. Quality cradles are getting harder to find, especially in the Eastern USA where road salt is used in winter. I won't disagree with buying another, but my method is to tap along the cradle with a hammer. If the cradle dents easily then the metal is very thin there and needs a fix. If it dents in more than one area then its probably scrap. I've fixed/ welded cradles that have lasted years so it appears that a lasting fix will depend on overall cradle condition.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Skybax JUL 09, 11:32 PM
If its only that isolated area I would repair it, if it is rusted similarly in other areas I would scrap it and find another cradle.
Cunnive OCT 11, 09:17 PM
So I patched the previous issue I mentioned but after removing the front bushings, I found this. I want you to know that there are no other holes and the metal around this is fairly solid. I used a heavy chisel and smacked around and nothing dented or broke. There is 100% no rot here but I will say that the metal here is pretty thin. I personally want to save this engine cradle if I can so if there is anything yall recommend I do, please let me know!

Thanks!

LEFT BUSHING


RIGHT BUSHING 1 of 2



RIGHT BUSHING 2 of 2

[This message has been edited by Cunnive (edited 10-11-2021).]

buddycraigg OCT 11, 10:05 PM
OMG!
What year is your car?
The 84 was a little different.
You need to find a new K member.