What do you guys use....

[NoShine68]

What do you guys use to repair the typical rusted-out frame damage, right above the rear coil spring? I have access to some frame metal from gm a-body cars, and I also live close to a metal supply company, but I was just wondering if there was a preferred method other than finding a decent frame section? I have to do this while spending as little as possible Lol (don't we all?)

I thought about having a peice cut from a template for the side of the frame, plate the inside, and doing the same for the bottom. Also boxing it in and making an x-brace while I am in there. The peices that go from the frame to the crossmember are also shot, I don't know what I should use for those.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance!
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[ole dollor]

i have seen some very good repairs done on here, but if the frame is really bad you might want to look for another frame and change it out, can you show some pic's of what you have to work with, that will help a lot on how bad it is...

[NoShine68]

I am still trying to figure the pictures part out, I only have my phone for Internet right now, but I think I just have to snap a few with my phone and put them on photobucket. I will try that asap!
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[NoShine68]

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[NoShine68]

Sorry for the big picture, I just had my 12 year old show me how to copy and paste on my phone Lol. Now I have to resize them...
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[Sammy]

Never seen one cracked that bad before. Personally, I would look for another frame. But sure someone could reinforce and repair it.

[ole dollor]

the frame really does look bad in the photo. do you know any real good welders, might look around for a frame if it is in your budget...and abilities .

might want to pull the bed off and have a good look at the frame..

[fastnotch89]

Im with them, i would look for another frame... alot of work to swap it out though

[NoShine68]

I actually took that picture last week, I forgot I had it on my phone. Since then, I removed the wood, etc. I think the cracks are from the po just trying to reinforce where the spring was, and leaving the rest of it weak and rusty. They drove it daily like that, and they constant bouncing, hauling stuff, etc just worked the frame up and down, cracking it like crazy. It is bad enough that I didn't want to drive it a few blocks when I recently moved.

I am not a professional welder, by any means, but I think I am going to tackle this. I have access to metal, and just bought a new spool of wire lol. The frame is the same on both sides, the top is intact and uncracked, but pitted.

I was thinking about it like this: I see guys back-halving frames all the time, I was basically going to take the techniques they use and do the same, but only to repair and strengthen the frame.

I would like to find a good frame, but I think I will be getting laid off soon, the company looks like it is shutting down. They said it's a possibility, but we all know they won't tell anyone for sure until the day they call you in the office lol. Also, it is hard to find a decent frame in eastern Ohio! Lol

I definitely see what you guys are saying tho. That would be the best route for sure!
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[NoShine68]

For what it's worth, I bought this because it was a little rough and thought it would make a cool rat rod. I saw the frame damage, but I didn't think it was nearly as bad as it is! Now, it is starting to snowball like every other project I have brought home! Lol.

I made sure to use a level to make sure it is jacked up, and also made plenty of reference points and measured as much as I could. The cracks are pretty much directly above the coils, so I figured if I can get that repaired, and strong, then the rest of the frame to the back should be up to task also. I am planning to make an x-brace out of tubing like I have seen a few guys on here do. It doesn't have to look original, but it has to be strong, safe, and look as professional as possible.

But, I definitely value the opinions of you guys, as I have built quite a few cars, but this is my first chevy build, and the first time working with a full frame too.
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[ole dollor]

yep you can give it a try and see if you can make it strong and safe. you cant hurt it, the worst that can happen is you mess it up and have to replace the frame...if you are a pretty good welder or know of one that can fish plate . give it a try and at least you will have a daily driver work truck..and save a lot of time and money...

[Bomp]

If you decide to repair it yourself.
Make sure to clean the metal nice and shiny so you get good penetration while welding. Wire brush, grind what ever it takes.
I would also strongly suggest "fish plating" the repaired area for more support. Inside and outside if possible. Over kill never hurt anyone.

Good luck.

[NoShine68]

Thanks! I'll definitely fishplate it, like you guys are saying. I have to do a little more research on it to make sure I do it right. I also thought of some plug welds, holes in the new frame and using them to added more strength to the repair.

I'm thinking exactly what you guys said, if it doesn't work out, at least I will have learned something (hopefully) and I will just have to find a new frame. Or tub it...
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[NoShine68]

Btw, bomp, I checked out your build thread, and wow! That is some are work!

As for making sure the metal is clean, that is where I like having ocd! Lol? I have a small sandblaster to use outside, a bunch of different types of discs for my grinder, and I also love using my 90 degree die grinder with some 80 grit 2" sanding discs.

I just bought a house big enough for all my kids, but had to sacrifice a garage. All my work is outside for now. So, I will be using flux core wire in my little Hobart 140.
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[steelhorse]

I don't know about up there but down here you can find a good frame for next to nothing.

[NoShine68]

I've been watching the local classifieds, craigslist, etc, for close to a year, haven't really seen anything. There is a 68 longbed frame for $400 a few minutes away from me, but that's about it.
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[dmw319]

Check post #33 in my build thread. I had to repair the exact place you are talking about:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=528167&page=2

[NoShine68]

Originally Posted by dmw319

Check post #33 in my build thread. I had to repair the exact place you are talking about:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=528167&page=2

Thanks! That is almost exactly what I had pictured in my head. I think I am on the right track, hopefully this weekend I can get back to working on it. Looking at all these builds has me anxious to get mine done! I have only driven the truck a total of about two miles.
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[dmw319]

I hear ya. My advice: do it right and Don't rush the frame stuff. It's what's most important!
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[71sixgun]

I had to do some frame repairs on my old '95 GMC. I learned on that one to tack everything, and take plenty of corner to corner measurements to make sure it's square before welding it solid!! Dedication is all it takes, when you run out, just log on here for a bit!!! Best of luck!