Advice on frame prep

[Heater63]

Finally, after delays from work (and I am thankful to have too much the past year), I have dissassembly about finished and can start the fun! I am ready to pull suspension and send fame for blasting...a few questions first for you guys. I am building a mild street truck, using L6 292, about 250 hp through a T5 world class tranny..no racing or heavy pulling. I am converting to 4 wheel disc, 5 lug.
1. Any need to weld up crossmembers/frame joints that are riveted??

2. Any need to box or strengthen the frame for street use??

3. Any need to box or plate together the trailing arms?

4. Rear sway bar?

5. Is it best to keep the factory rear emergency brake cabling system ??

6. Frame: Powder coat vs paint ?? is it affordable?

Thanks for all the advice. This board rocks!

[N2TRUX]

1. Any need to weld up crossmembers/frame joints that are riveted??
No need to weld it. If you are taking the rivets out to rust prep, or sand blast, us quality bolts in place of the rivets.

2. Any need to box or strengthen the frame for street use??
Unless it has weak or fatigued areas, not really. Are you going to run a C-notch? I would build a custom notch and weld it in with a boxing plate.

3. Any need to box or plate together the trailing arms?
What condition are they in?

4. Rear sway bar?
It's not a bad idea. Definitely run a front sway bar.

5. Is it best to keep the factory rear emergency brake cabling system ?? Not sure if there is a better choice available. Someone else will have to help here.

6. Frame: Powder coat vs paint ?? is it affordable?
Check prices in your area for powder coating. If you really want the best looking protection powder coating is hard to beat. It's not mandatory, but I would consider it if it's in your budget.

There are several great options for painting your frame as well. If you plan to drive it a lot when your done, this is probably a good route to consider.

Thanks for all the advice. This board rocks!:5150:
Yes it does...

[protrash64]

Could check with TX Firefighter on powder coating....I have no idea how far he is from you , but he gets rave reviews from all that have gotten his services.

Glad to see you finally moving on the truck.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by protrash64

Could check with TX Firefighter on powder coating....

Great advice. Kevin is about an hour away according to Google. He recently had a fiasco with his home and high winds. If he is in a position to do the powder coating work, I "highly" recommend giving him the job. Take a look in the review forum and you will see why.