Front subframe crackout

[mwredit]

I am in the process of rebuilding the drivetrain om my '77 HPE.  Upon removing the engine, trans and steering rack (albeit separately on the engine and trans and CAN be done), I noticed while removing the rear trans mount, which was held on by a loose bolt, not 3 like it's supposed to have, the bolt hole just in front of where the subframe bolts to the body, is busted out.  The other bolt hole on the other side near the front is started to crack.  In my research of this problem, I've read that this is a common problem area on Betas.  I am considering cutting out the upper section and welding in a thicker gauge plate (U-plate perhaps) from the shifter bellcrank all the way over to the edge with nuts welded underneath.  I dont want to alter the height of the subframe where the subframe bolt attaches near that area, as that may upset the lower wishbone geometry.  My other consideration is to add the thicker plate and include steel spacers inside running top and bottom and through bolt the mount.  For those that have been on that dilemma, what are your thoughts?  I havent removed the subframe yet, but it's 8 bolts away from dropping out.  What are your thoughts?

[rossocorsa]

yours sounds quite bad, on my subframe it was cracked but not so bad so cracks repaired and then a plate welded over the top was sufficient.

[mwredit]

rossocorsa- Ok. I was considering that also.  Did the extra plated you welded on top affect the mounting area to the body or did you go around that area?  Besides, I know now why my shift quality was so mediocre.

[lanciamad]

Many years ago now, but this is what I did to one of the area's on the subframe...

DSCF53491 by Marcus Robinson, on Flickr

DSCF53531 by Marcus Robinson, on Flickr

[mwredit]

lanciamad-  Cool.  I was thinking along the same lines using thicker gauge metal.