shock tower crack

[alphachip]

Here goes...had anyone heard of this happening?

I'm in the process of detailing my engine bay...289 and c4 are out of car. I was getting ready to reinstall them yesterday when I noticed a crack in the shock tower. I could swear it wasn't there before.

I was just wondering...can this happen when the weight of the engine is out of the car. I sure know it shouldn't happen. The car is a california car...no rot...surface rust only.

The big question is can I get away with welding the cracks...they've spidered a little...I drilled the ends to relieve them and no futher cracking has been observed.

Any info or thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

Jim (67 mustang convertible...289...c4...red on red)