Upwards of 60 years worth of hard use and exposure to the weather has taken it's toll on many an MB or GPW frame. The frame on MB392034 had rusted under the battery tray and broke where it was weakened.  A previous owner poorly welded some repair plates on either side of the frame, but this all had to be repaired properly.  There is more than one method to do this, but I have outlined below the (typical) steps taken by me in my current restoration.  You may use these steps as a guideline and adapt the techniques to your particular frame.  If you notice errors or improvements to the process I would appreciate your input by email.
Thanks  - Ren Bernier
 
 

Step One - Evaluate the Damage - yikes!

The previous owner's repair plates were attached to either side of the frame below the battery tray

    The ugly repair plates and need to be removed....
 
 
 
 
 

Step Two - Remove Extraneous Pieces that are Welded to the Frame
Using a grinder, cut-off wheel and / or cutting torch, carefully remove and non-original metal pieces.  Then sandblast the area to afford a careful inspection for cracks, etc.

Removing the repair plates revealed that the frame had rusted through where the front crossmember attached
 
 
 
 
 
 

Step Three - Remove Rusted, Broken Face of the Frame
Using a grinder, cut-off wheel and hacksaw, carefully remove the rust-damaged metal pieces.  This allows access to the inner surface of the frame.

Opening the frame disclosed a major misalignment of the broken parts...

Step Four - Re-align The frame and Weld in Repair Pieces on the Inside of the Frame
By working inside the frame, the repairs will not be visible when done. I welded the crack and added some strengthening gussets over the repair.  At this time I also welded in place a nut to accept the button-head socket cap screws that will replace the blind rivet holding the battery tray in place.

Step Five - Weld in Repair Piece on the Bottom Rail of the Frame
Fabricate a repair piece for the bottom frame rail and weld this in place.  Be careful to secure the frame horn in position during this process.

Step Six - Cut a Cardboard Template of the Patch Needed

Using an xacto knife, trim the cardboard to a perfect fit to replace the cut-out area.

I included on the template the holes for the fender brace bolts, the slots for the front cross-tube to stick through, and the vent hole for the cross tube.  Be sure to fit the template in the frame hole and triple check the fit.

Step Seven - Transferring the Template Image to the New Metal
Lay the template on the stock metal and spray with quick drying paint.  When you lift off the template, it's image is outlined on the steel and easily cut out.  The bolt holes and slots also show this way...
 

Step Eight- Cut Patch
Lift the template off and cut the patch.  I use a hand-held jigsaw with a metal cutting blade for this.  Drill the holes and slots as indicated by the template.   Be sure to weld nuts to the back of the patch to accept the fender brace bolts now!
 
 

Step Nine - Apply Your Favorite Rustproofing to the Inside of the Frame
Now is the time, while you can reach these areas.... I brushed on a little red oxide primer.  Notice the repro bumper and gusset used to maintain alignment of the frame during repair.
 

Step Ten - Weld in the Patch
The patch is MIG welded in place, now things start to look better!

My welding is not pretty, but it is strong!  The two vertical beads on either side of the hole capture the crosstube as the original did.
 

The two nuts welded to the inside of the patch provide the threaded holes for the fender brace bolts...
 

Step Eleven - Cosmetic Work
The area gets ground smooth.  I use a little filler to hide grinder marks and then sand and prime the area.
 
 

The Button head socket cap screw "Rivets" are used to install a battery tray salvaged from another frame.

Step Twelve - Finish Paint
Oh Yeah!

For more related images, go to the MB Image Index