Repairing damaged receiver

[akershosp]

I recently took a gamble and purchased a Ruger 10/22 with a cracked receiver the former owner tried to weld the receiver but did not get it lined up properly the crack runs through the serial number I'm afraid when we do the proper repairs it will damage or obscure the serial number. anybody have any suggestions on the proper and legal way to address this situation

[ExecDirector]

I'm trying to track down an "official" stance on the subject.

[ExecDirector]

Looks like you have found excellent input on this subject on Sturm...
http://www.sturmgewehr.com/webBBS/semiforum.cgi?read=113009
Read carefully, though, because you cannot "tamper at will!"