So new question, was it completely welded all they way down on the underside, or just spot? It's barely split, maybe .100" and thats just the area where the yakima gutter mount is. If I weld it, I assume the paint around there will get all screwed up, and then I will get even more rust issues, unless I have a ugly splotch of primer. I never planned on making this rig a beauty queen though, but I don't feel I have lost any integrity there. You can hang off the rock cross poll and it doesnt flex at the gutter I'll upload a picture in a few minutes

You would be amazed at how hard it is to push back down.

I also have a feeling I will be buying a spare swb chassis soon, as I am a bit over condifdent on what I try lol.