Frame Repair Options

[Furno68C20]

I just got my 67 SWB frame back from the blaster and it looks like i've uncovered a problem. The area where the rear springs attach to is pretty bad. The rear axle cross member to frame bracket needs replaced.

Wondering if anyone else has had this issue and what is the best way to correct it.

Do vendors sell frame parts such as this one? if not Does anyone have a pair?

The frame in the picture is upside down FYI. Worst is the driver side, pass isn't too bad but probably needs it too.

Any advise?

[BigBird05]

From the rust on the main frame rail you are going to need more than just a cross member.

[Blue GMC]

^^^^
Agree really look that frame over well might be best to find a solid donor frame. The good news is 67 we’re not stamped with vin most of the time on Chevy and not at all on GMC making a swap easy

[burnin oil]

The real question is how happy you would be with a non factory repair and what are your skills. I could tackle that by replacing it in a couple of pieces and you probably couldn't tell. Can you weld and run a grinder? If so it is salvageable, if not start looking for a replacement. I am not a purist but believe an unmolested 50+ year old vehicle that is stock should be kept that way. So that said I see it as a blessing to build it the way GM should have. Nothing wrong with fixing it or going 4 link with a boxed frame. 100% original is now gone so go wild with what your budget can afford and your skills allow. After all you would be keeping a classic on the road. The sky is the limit.

[Furno68C20]

This 67 frame has the last 5 vin stamped on the driver side. Would like to keep the frame and repair it. I’ve got some experience with a grinder and welder. I have entertained replacing the cross member and the two triangle sections that are on the inside of the frame along with welded plates to reinforce and strengthen the sections. I will probably have to invest and upgrade to a better welder.
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[burnin oil]

You have skills so the work is achievable. Welders ate like gauges and work best at middle settings. I used a Hobart 140 mig to weld 4 link brackets on an axle swapped into a jeep. Great welder but I was up against the duty cycle in hot weather. Took all day to to the welding. That suspension just failed a couple days ago when the track bar mount ripped in two. The welds held. I welded that with a root pass and 2 cover passes. For thick stuff I break out the stick welder. After about 10 rods it would trip the 30a double pole welding 1/4 plate. Moral of the story is a quality welder will get the job done if you know how to use them. There is nothing wrong with making a root pass then 2 more to tie them in. Make sure you chose the correct wire and work within the machines duty cycle. All bets are off on a harbor frieght welder instead of a quality welder since I have no idea what you have. I ain't knocking HF tools either since I have a bunch. Loving that 10t press!

[BigBird05]

If your going to save your frame, I would look for donner frame sections so the gauge thickness of the metal would be the same. Once welded you couldn't see the repair. That is how I am going to fix my frame.

[schovil69]

Originally Posted by BigBird05

If your going to save your frame, I would look for donner frame sections so the gauge thickness of the metal would be the same. Once welded you couldn't see the repair. That is how I am going to fix my frame.

I did this to repair a spot on a '56 Belair frame just last week. Worked like a charm not having to be concerned for dissimilar metals by using something else for the patch work.

[SkidmoreGarage]

If you want to keep the original frame, I would look for a donor frame as suggested above. These frames are all riveted together, and replacing a section should be easy and the repair almost invisible. The shapes you are trying to recreate are complex and pretty thick metal. I wouldn't think I'd be happy trying to patch the structural points like spring perches, especially given that the metal is rusted like swiss cheese and you may struggle to get clean welds.

[NGN]

Can short or long bed donner frame section be used for this particular repairs.
Thanks
NGN
Nick

[SkidmoreGarage]

I can't say for certain if the long and short have small differences, but it will most likely work as all of the other chassis stuff is interchangeable.

C10 and C20 have enough frame differences that I would make sure to keep it all 1/2 ton or 3/4 ton. I would also try to keep it to the same year. 67 was a new design model year, and I am always finding stuff on my truck that isn't exactly the same as later years.

[Furno68C20]

Originally Posted by NGN

Can short or long bed donner frame section be used for this particular repairs.
Thanks
NGN
Nick

I looked into this. When guys cut a long box to a short they cut out 12” between the cab mounts and cut off about 7 inches at the rear of the frame. By cutting the rear you loose the holes for the rear bumper brackets. This add to the labor so if you have a swb to fix find a swb. Same with long beds.
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[bigmac73]

I say easy fix, cut out those rivets on the support bracket and find a donor on here or local. for the frame rail issue i would get a 1/4 Fish plate and weld over it and do the same for the lower strap piece as well (or find a good weld fabrication shop and have them do it )
but first I would wire wheel the piss out of the whole frame and get a 2 gallon bug sprayer full of OSPHO and soak it down and let it sit for a couple of days and then go back and wash the treatment off with a power washer. then prime for now

[cwcarpenter98]

I'm not at home at the moment, but I recently picked up this section of frame. It's missing the coil spring mounting stuff, but it has good rails, so if you can't find what you need by Thanksgiving on the frame, send me a message.
I've got a heavy schedule with grad school, so I won't be able to make it back home where the frame section is until then.

[truckdude239]

i just went thought this found a good set of spring mounts and added a c nokt to box frame in that area

[Mbeef61]

I have those spring perches if you need them. Not the crossmember but the perches. Shoot me a message if you are interested