01/28/2026
Not my best ascetically pleaseing work but it is rock solid. This was rush job for Dennis Auto Repair here in Pensacola. A customer of theirs had mobility van that needed a custom engine mount repaired before completing their work and needed it yesterday. This bracket had stress fractures all over it. One large break and was twisted out of square. I had very limited time since they needed this thing put back together by the end of the day. These little repairs seem easy and take no time, but they always have little issues that need addressing. I degreased it, busted out the burr bit. Completely removed all material around cracks with a nice bevel, drilled holes for stress release. Then I busted out my MAP gas torch, heated it up and straitened it back strait and square. Using TiG process, I filled everything solid with filler metal. Then added some 3/8” round bar to gusset the sides preventing the bracket from twisting again and failing. These are the down and dirty repairs that I can do when folks just need to get it done and doesn’t need to look pretty. For decades these manufacturers make these parts as cheap as posible for profit. The design of this bracket had a weak structural design. Accounted for the downward force but not so much the twisting force of an engine. My thought process it to build it right, not cheap. So, thousands and thousands of miles later. This 1/4” steel just tears itself apart from vibration and torque. These are are all the things I keep in mind when doing repairs. “How can I make this thing better so it dosent happen again?”. Do right by people and do honest good work, good things happen. Luckily they won’t have to see this monstrosity since it’s hidden under the hood. Over built and undercharged! God Bless you all✝️
