Got the k-frame out of the car to repair a wound where the old mount was. Turned over and found some thru wall rust and many dents. Is it possible to drill out the spot welds and pull the bottom skin off inorder to repair the dents and holes? I simply can't afford to buy another so I want to patch up this one but do it right.

Here's some pics

I would not try to seperate the two pieces, those were welded in a jig to maintain accuracy and is a main part of the unibody structure..
Either replace it or mig weld the rust holes closed.., the dents can be filled with body filler if cosmetics are an issue..

Maybe the pix are not very clear to me, but the K looks like a serviceable unit to me. I agree that you shouldnt try to split the halves. Firm Feel offers a "rebuilt" K member service if you are interested. They fully weld the pieces together, add gussets where needed and I heard that they "True" up the idler arm mount to minimize bump steer.

Not too worried about the cosmetics but was looking for a flat-ish surface to put on a skid plate.

You might be able to pull the dents by welding a bolt to it and then using a slide hammer to tug them out. I had a couple sharp dents on mine so I cut out the damaged area with a holesaw bit, hammered the metal flat, and then welded it back in place. Came out pretty decent. You can fill deep gouges by welding over them and then carefully grinding or filing them flush.

Another way to get at the dents on the bottom is to drill out holes on the top and them weld them shut once your done beating it back into shape.

blast the K,and see if its savable,and do a QUALITY weld repair if it is. if not i would replace it in a second...it kinda holds the front of the car together,and is really important,eventhough they are kinda cheap,a good one is priceless,imho. with all the potholes here in mich/ind,i would want a good one,for sure.

I like the slide hammer idea and opening up a hole or 2 on the top side. Its pretty solid except for one small spot that's rusted through. We'll see more after its cleaned up.

Thanks for the replies guys, this place is the best . For a guy like me that got started later in life and with few buds to hang with that are mechanics, its so cool to have a place to visit where guys openly share their knowledge and expertise.

Much appreciated!

All cleaned up and ready to .

Do these typically have a seam down the middle?



The area around these holes is very thin. Looks like it will need a patch.

I dont think they were continous welded.
but,
If it was my part, I would weld it completely and add a skid plate to protect the pan...