i removed the weak rusted metal and ended up with a big hole. cut out a plate for it and discovered my flux-core wire feed loved burning holes though the thin rusted metal. (should have cut more away, but hey i told you i didn't know how to weld.) so i borrowed a solid core set up. yeah i freaked out and the welds were to cold, but finally got it right. after i welded in the plate and filled in my mistakes with some plastic metal. bolted in the frame and it feels stout. going to put 2 supports where the X's are. then build some hold downs to keep everything in place.
