(ET) E15-Think I know how I can fix the frame.

[Chris Zach <cz alembic crystel com>]

In the continuing saga on how to fix my rusted out E15 clunker, I have 
been trying to identify a way that I could replace one of the rear 
transmission mount points. It was completely rotted.

I put 1 inch angle iron on the inside to hold up the rear deck. But what 
to do about the mount? Well now I have a solution that might work and 
INVOLVES WELDING!

Because I am getting to love welding. It's like crazy glue for steel; 
you touch two things together, hit it with the E20 welder on medium 
power and presto: They are stuck together. And hot as hell, but that's 
another story. Why just today I was trying to get a bolt off my old 
deck's mower shock mount. The mount had torn off the deck, and although 
the bolt head had completely disintegrated on the bottom of the deck, it 
was still spinning so I couldn't get the nut on top loose. Vice grips 
were never going to work. But a few taps with the welder and bolt+steel 
became one. Then it was trivial to get the nut off.

Anyway, the key was suggested by a member: I can't use 1.5 angle iron on 
the back because it hits the tires. But that's because the tires are 
mounted inbound. If I switch them and mount them outbound the angle iron 
will fit with space to spare!

Then I can weld the remaining 1 inch angle iron between the outside and 
inside iron, making a box of solid IRON. Not only will it never flex, 
but it will never spread, and I should be able to haul trains with this 
frame.

I'll try welding next weekend. The only big problem is that the back 
battery box will have to be modified, but I think I can live with that...

Chris