Welding a part that I have to force/clamp together

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I have a pre bent tube with a mount that has about a 3/16 gap between it and my frame. I can use clamps to close this gap but this obviously is pre-loading the part. My question is, will this have any adverse effects? 1972 Chevelle frame Boxed and adding inner support/strengthening tubes.





Last edited by Garage Specialty!; 1 Day Ago at 04:26 PM.
Reply:Not only would it not have any effect, but chances are, that gap would Close from the welding process as the bead "sucks" things like that together anyway


Reply:It certainly could affect alignment of the frame to body. It will pull the frame in when welded. Jam some filler rod in the gap and make several tacks. Jump around from right to left and try to keep the gap from closing due to too much heat. If you take your time it shouldn't close up very much.
Reply:There is nothing wrong with boxing a frame. That being said, are you going to weld that full length or skip weld it? Both will work work but one is stronger than the other. With that weld on the inside of the c channel the weld is going to shrink the inside and add to your bow. If you tie in the other brace that's just going to go along for the ride. I would suggest using a beam of some sort to put a back bend on the outside and weld that piece before adding the tube frame. Posting your location might get you some local help too.
Reply:I’m in Houston. Planning on full length welding (tig) over the course of a few days since I’m limited on time and I’m hoping that’ll help control the heat too. After tacking both sides it looks like there might be room for improvement on closing the gap without having to close so much with the clamp. I’ll have to mess with it later.