Newbie welding question, welding frame near gas tank?

[re_guderian]

Hey, thought I'd appeal to the collective wisdom of MUD before I blow myself up...

I'm a noob welder, been practicing on scrap for a while, getting OK at functional, but not necessarily pretty welds.

One project I have is "fixing" the sway bar bracket on the rear of my 100 series. the vertical bolt is in, but the horizontal one that holds the vertical part of the bracket to the frame broke off years ago. Failed at getting it out, stuck extractor in the hole, etc.. Thought the best solution would be to just weld the vertical part of the bracket to the frame as shown in the yellow highlighted areas below. Bad idea? I have a Lincoln FCAW welder. The job is not mission-critical, I've been running with only the bottom bolt holding the bracket on for probably 5 years.

Main question is safety related. With the gas tank "nearby" what the safest way to do this? Should I be concerned about that? FWIW, it's on the passenger side. I'm assuming ground as close as possible to the bracket/frame. I just have no frame of reference as to whether this is no biggie, or "WTH am I even thinking to consider this???". Appreciate your thoughts...

 

[firestopper]

So long as you have no leaks or fumes you should be fine. Keep an extinguisher handy and close by. You description of "nearby" could use some clarification, but weld in the direction away from the tank to best control the sparks. Protect any plastic lines, wires etc.

 

[gregnash]

Why not drill out old bolt and retap hole? I have done that to multiple items on my 60, much easier than worrying about the welding (but not necessarily faster).

 

[re_guderian]

Why not drill out old bolt and retap hole? I have done that to multiple items on my 60, much easier than worrying about the welding (but not necessarily faster).

I've tried. There's already an EZOut snapped off in there. Rear AC drain drips on it and rusted it in place. It's really not necessary for it to come off anyway to remove sway bar.