Just purchased an 80 vette. Started taking apart the steering to repair leaks in the steering valve and discovered the cross member where the lower control arm is attached starting to split apart and crack. Can't for the life of me figure how this happened. Looks like I can weld it back together. Any ideas.

 

Can't see the crack but a good welder should be able to repair.

 

I can't see the crack either, but I do see 3 places where a torch or welder may have discolored the metal.

 

I'd be checking the frame straightness if the cross member is cracked.