Another trailing arm thread - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Bob D · 06-08-2006, 11:30 PM

I discovered a few weeks back that I needed new arms, the old ones were so rusted that I could see through them from the side. Being short on cash, but having a LOT of welding wire compelled me to repair the ones I have. I started by pressing out the bushings and drilling out the rivets to separate the sections. The rust had literally bowed the centers out as it expanded over the years. I hammered the lumps out and cleaned off all the rust with grinders and wire wheels. Then bolted the halves back together with 3/8" bolts and welded the seams together top and bottom. Then cut out a 3' section of rot in the center and butt welded in a 1/4" section of steel I cut out of a piece of 4" angle. The soft bolts will come out and be replaced with G8 bolts in the future. I gave 'em a coat of POR15 and then a coat of ZeroRust. I dont think I will be worrying about rust again

Bob

Oldtruckfanatic · 06-08-2006, 11:39 PM

Looks good...probably less flex being welded that way too. Did you get any pics of em after they were painted? Either way nice work!

pumpkin · 06-08-2006, 11:40 PM

Looks pretty good. If thats mig welding, your going too fast, and mabee a bit cold.

Gray Ghost · 06-08-2006, 11:42 PM

Too bad you don't live in Texas...I got an extra set.

Bob D · 06-09-2006, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pumpkin

Looks pretty good. If thats mig welding, your going too fast, and mabee a bit cold.

It is mig, flux core wire with no gas. I am a self taught novice welder, so any advice is appreciated

Bob

**FRENCHBLUE72** · 06-09-2006, 10:18 AM

They look good,what is zero rust????

Bob D · 06-09-2006, 11:31 AM

http://zero-rust.com/index.html

Good stuff!

Bob

06-08-2006, 11:30 PM	#1
Bob D Rolled on Paint Club Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windham, CT. Posts: 232	Another trailing arm thread I discovered a few weeks back that I needed new arms, the old ones were so rusted that I could see through them from the side. Being short on cash, but having a LOT of welding wire compelled me to repair the ones I have. I started by pressing out the bushings and drilling out the rivets to separate the sections. The rust had literally bowed the centers out as it expanded over the years. I hammered the lumps out and cleaned off all the rust with grinders and wire wheels. Then bolted the halves back together with 3/8" bolts and welded the seams together top and bottom. Then cut out a 3' section of rot in the center and butt welded in a 1/4" section of steel I cut out of a piece of 4" angle. The soft bolts will come out and be replaced with G8 bolts in the future. I gave 'em a coat of POR15 and then a coat of ZeroRust. I dont think I will be worrying about rust again Bob Attached Images __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 swb fleetside SB 355ci. Smog heads Summit 1102 cam Performer intake and carb. Finally in about 1 piece in the yard.

06-08-2006, 11:39 PM	#2
Oldtruckfanatic Truck junkie Join Date: May 2006 Location: Reno NV Posts: 697	Re: Another trailing arm thread Looks good...probably less flex being welded that way too. Did you get any pics of em after they were painted? Either way nice work!

06-08-2006, 11:40 PM	#3
pumpkin Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Sooke B.C. Canada Posts: 543	Re: Another trailing arm thread Looks pretty good. If thats mig welding, your going too fast, and mabee a bit cold.

06-08-2006, 11:42 PM	#4
Gray Ghost Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Terrell, TX Posts: 1,967	Re: Another trailing arm thread Too bad you don't live in Texas...I got an extra set. __________________ Kelly '05 GMC Sierra SLE Z71 Bone stock except for new bed rail caps.

06-09-2006, 10:18 AM	#6
FRENCHBLUE72 PROJECT 7DEUCE Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: GRANTS PASS OR Posts: 21,604	Re: Another trailing arm thread They look good,what is zero rust???? __________________ GO BIG GREEN GO DUCKS MEMBER #6377 72 k-5 daily driver 6'' lift 35'' 350-350-205 slowly getting rust free. Project "7DEUCE" check out my build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=267665 Tim Powell..R.I.P EastSideLowlife..... R.I.P..

06-09-2006, 11:31 AM	#7
Bob D Rolled on Paint Club Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Windham, CT. Posts: 232	Re: Another trailing arm thread http://zero-rust.com/index.html Good stuff! Bob __________________ 1970 GMC 1500 swb fleetside SB 355ci. Smog heads Summit 1102 cam Performer intake and carb. Finally in about 1 piece in the yard.



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