| Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,807 | Stovebolt frames were designed to flex a little. Welding crossmembers in will create stress risers and cracks in a very short time, as well as causing changes in thre metallurgy of the frame in the area of the welds. I'd leave well enough alone, and do as good a cleanup as possible without removing the crossmembers. I think you're about to open up a very costly can of worms. Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln Cringe and wail in fear, Eloi- - - - -we Morlocks are on the hunt! There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. - Ernest Hemingway Love your enemies and drive 'em nuts!
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