How would you repair this frame?

[Rocket3]

Is it repairable? I have a SWB,coil spring suspension frame with some severe rot where the coil springs mount. The vertical section of frame rail is pretty thin and cracked on left side. Right side is just thin. I was thinking of adding a plate on outside to fix that. The horizontal bottom sections of frame rail have a curve to them. I was thinking of cutting out the bad and welding in a new piece,but how do I match the curvature? Will heating to bend the replacement piece with oxygen/acetylene torch weaken the metal? OR.. Should I find that section or complete rear 1/2 and weld it in? No-Limit has a kit that replaces the ENTIRE rear portion of rails,but it is $1,100 and requires bed floor to be raised 4",which I don't want to do. Does Porterbuilt kits replace any of what I have that is rotted?

[Grumpy old man]

Rot on one side ,thin on the other ? That frame is done , it's cheaper to buy another short bed frame .

[Eddie H.]

You can't weld rust, and I'm not sure you have enough virgin metal there to weld to. If I did try to repair it, I would grind it down to good metal, weld plates inside the frame rail, and box in that section of frame for added strength. As far as bending a repair patch, a little heat and a big whupping hammer would be my tools of choice.

[57taskforce]

I've sold cuts from that portion of frames in the past for patches it can be done. If your going to patch it, I'd personally go with patches from a good frame and not try and plate what you've got.

[GR8-68]

I would be searching for another frame, that there is really weak metal now.

[Toms67]

Times two. Safety is number one.

[Grumpy old man]

I have a short bed frame and long bed frame listed for sale in the classified section , I'll cut the long bed frame for parts but it's much easier to just replace your short bed frame .

[72freak]

With your geographic location, you are close enough to many areas outside the rust belt. Recycle your frame and use the cash for a tank of gas to drive south and get a different frame. You can pick up a roller for $400 or a bare frame for $200 all day long!! Contact board member UNCLE.

[GR8-68]

You are only like 4 1/2 hours from Grumpy

[67swb72klb]

I would replace unless you have some really good fab skills and a good frame for a patch

[darrellyates]

I know where there is a good frame, likely less expensive than to fix yours. I bought a custom frame, and Truck Haven in Unionville TN has my old frame, which has no damage and hadn't ever been hit that I could tell. It even has all new suspension under it, ball joints, tie rods, springs, shocks... Chuck is the guy who has it, I believe he sold the differential out of it, but it would certainly be less work (and likely less expensive). I'm about 3 1/2 hours south of Paducah, and he's another hour south of me. His number is 931-205-5926. I did some trading for sheetmetal with him. Nice guy. Wish I would have found this site before I started my build....

[Rocket3]

Originally Posted by Grumpy old man

I have a short bed frame and long bed frame listed for sale in the classified section , I'll cut the long bed frame for parts but it's much easier to just replace your short bed frame .

Thanks. I have you on my list

Originally Posted by 72freak

With your geographic location, you are close enough to many areas outside the rust belt. Recycle your frame and use the cash for a tank of gas to drive south and get a different frame. You can pick up a roller for $400 or a bare frame for $200 all day long!! Contact board member UNCLE.

Thanks. I have Uncle on my list. I'm going this week to look at a roller one 1hr away. Hope it is usable!

Originally Posted by GR8-68

You are only like 4 1/2 hours from Grumpy

I have searched him on google maps to find distance. He is on my list.

Originally Posted by darrellyates

I know where there is a good frame, likely less expensive than to fix yours. I bought a custom frame, and Truck Haven in Unionville TN has my old frame, which has no damage and hadn't ever been hit that I could tell. It even has all new suspension under it, ball joints, tie rods, springs, shocks... Chuck is the guy who has it, I believe he sold the differential out of it, but it would certainly be less work (and likely less expensive). I'm about 3 1/2 hours south of Paducah, and he's another hour south of me. His number is 931-205-5926. I did some trading for sheetmetal with him. Nice guy. Wish I would have found this site before I started my build....

Thanks. I need more info on frame. Year?Wheel base,short or long? 2 or 4 wheel drive? Rear suspension type? Power steer?

[darrellyates]

The frame was a 1970 frame, 5 lug wheels of course with disc brakes (normal I believe for a 1970?)... It is a short wheel base, with coil springs on the rear. The trailing arms were, I believe, brand new as I couldn't find a mark on them anywhere, and the bushings were all good. Brake lines were on the frame when I traded it to him, and it was a power steering truck. All steering parts were also on the frame when we traded. As I stated, the springs and shocks were new, I can't really remember about the discs, but am thinking they looked good. I bought the truck out of Alabama, and am putting it on a chassis from Scott's. When the cab came off for metalwork, I traded the frame for doors, and the front sheetmetal for a '68 because I like the nose better.

Good luck, you might find a better one local. I got more in trade for mine than I've seen prices floating around on this site...