99 - f250 powerstoke, cross members cut!

[matburke]

Hey everyone, I am brand spankin new to this site, so be nice....
I just picked up a 1999 F250 Powerstroke, 7.3L. I got it for $3300 cdn, and it has about 350,000kms, on it, now it does need some work, ie. the turbo is done.

But that doesnt bother me, what bothers me is that when I went crawling around underneath I was looking at the oil pan for leaks and what not, and noticed that the cross members right below the pan were cut with a torch, and then welded back on - no doubt to access the oil pan to replace it... the welds look pretty ****, what is the best thing to do here? Just get under and weld it up nice? I'm not sure if its a factor for getting the truck saftied. I hate people who dont do things the right way! Any advice would be great, as I am scared this truck will turn in to a money pit

[zROCK]

I would just grind it down and weld it up nice and clean again. Maby for peace of mind fish plate it. If you have to get it inspected make it look as clean and neat at possible. they can be a little pissy about things like that

[matburke]

ok, cool, thats what I will do... what exactly does fish plating mean?

[Boss.Hoss]

Fishplate is a structural reinforcement by laying a piece of steel over a joint and welding it on. Lots of different ways to do them, and even more opinions on how to do them right. Many people say only weld the long sides of the plate, as welding the short sides too will weaken the joint... Alot of people like a diamond shaped plate, others say the points cause stress risers, I prefer a diamond with rounded "tips", reduces chance of creating new stress risers and also increases the length of the weld...

See link below for a modified triagle fishplate with a hole in the middle for more weld...

http://www.trailslesstraveled.com/co...dgussetted.jpg

[matburke]

Is the cross member made of "tensile" steel? if so is there anything special to do when it comes to welding?.... and before I start (well my buddy who can weld starts) Also should I do anything else besides to disconnect the batteries? I just wouldnt want to fry any of the electrical components. thanks