09-15-2009, 11:21 AM | #1 |
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Location: Motor City
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frame repair
I have the most crappy truck on this board. I love the thing, dont want to part with it. Its a huge eye sore, but I dont care. As long as its useful and cures my wrench'n itch. Im happy.
In its previous life, the truck worked on a farm. Probley lots of hours idling with half an exhaust. Well, I was underneath the truck the other day and noticed big chunks of rust coming off the frame. There is a huge section that spans about 3 feet thats just rotten on both sides. From the cab to about where the axle bend starts. Worst part is, i see an actual crack that is about an inch long on the drivers side. Now i know most you guys would have scrapped this thing a long time ago. But the wife doesnt really give me much in the form of an allowance. IF i get rid of this truck, i doubt ill ever have another one. so im wondering what the best fix is (assuming i work with what i have) a. cut the frame from the cab back and replace with non-rusty long horn frame. b. weld in patches to existing frame. c. weld in tubular stock. d. other.
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72 GMC Camper Special 2500. currently has 350/350/14 bolt. 383 and 400 tranny is in the works. |
09-15-2009, 11:34 AM | #2 |
more ideas than money
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: spring grove, pa
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Re: frame repair
Flaking rust is one thing, but chunks of rust is another. Off of what you described I dont think you will be able to patch it due to lack of good metal to weld to.
I choose: a. cut the frame from the cab back and replace with non-rusty long horn frame. Pics would help you get a more accurate opinion if you can.
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Randy 1948 Chevy 3100 5 window 1966 Chevy C30 Dually 1967 Chevy K10 1972 Chevy K20 1972 Chevy C10 1972 Chevy K5 Blazer 1987 Chevy V10 2003 Chevy Suburban |
09-15-2009, 03:22 PM | #3 |
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Location: Albuquerque NM
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Re: frame repair
another option could be a frame swap. is it a long or shortbed?
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09-15-2009, 03:39 PM | #4 |
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Location: merced, ca
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Re: frame repair
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Chadio72 and his toys 67 C10 longfleet beater 68/01 K10 (4.8/4L65E project) 72 C30 Flatbed (400hp400) 66 Harley Davidson Shovelhead Last edited by Longhorn Man; 09-15-2009 at 03:49 PM. |
09-15-2009, 03:51 PM | #5 |
its all about the +6 inches
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Hilliard Ohio
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Re: frame repair
I would consider a frame swap. Screw trying to weld that all up. The time and effore you'll spend will be the same as if you were to just replace the frame.
As for the Longhorn frame part, that would be hard to di since the longhorn frame is thicker and taller than normal 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton frames. |
09-15-2009, 10:14 PM | #6 |
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: hamilton,ohio,usa
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Re: frame repair
At least you are in the Midwest, home of lots of parts being swapped and sold. Check the Board, never know what you will find here.
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09-15-2009, 10:39 PM | #7 |
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Location: Sunray,TX
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Re: frame repair
Place some supports all under the frame and body, i.e. jackstands, blocks of wood, everything you can come up with. Cut out the bad(rusted) parts of the frame and replace it with strips of 3/16s strap steel. That is if you can weld at all. I dont know your talents, but as long as you KNOW you are getting good penetration, and know a clean weld from a scab, you will be able to patch it up and look good as original. I have butt spliced (and boxed the splice area) frames several times (not the crazy angle and diamond stuff every one says) to build short beds on many trucks. All of mine have been 4x4s which I bang on the rocks and get drunk and baja in down the rivers, as well as drive to work everyday. It all has to do with common sense, KNOWING a GOOD weld from a BAD one, and realizing that frames are just broke over steel plate, not some unobtainium material that requires a certified tig rocket engine uranium exhaust tip welder to accomplish. DONT BE SCARED!
Last edited by wildwilly4x4; 09-15-2009 at 10:42 PM. |
09-16-2009, 11:14 AM | #8 |
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Motor City
Posts: 540
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Re: frame repair
Thanks for the opinions guys. Im not sure which one ill go with. My main concern right now is saftey. I do use this truck to haul stuff.
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72 GMC Camper Special 2500. currently has 350/350/14 bolt. 383 and 400 tranny is in the works. |
09-17-2009, 10:28 AM | #9 |
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Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Motor City
Posts: 540
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Re: frame repair
it appears i have a 1/2 ton frame.
I took some measurements. I found that the frame is 6" tall right beneath the rear of the cab. Above the axle its 4.5" tall. can someone concur?
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72 GMC Camper Special 2500. currently has 350/350/14 bolt. 383 and 400 tranny is in the works. |
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