uh oh frame

[bob8619]

I think I might be in trouble. I guess I was a little too eager and I missed this.... I don't think this looks normal.

[bob8619]

Those metal pieces that springs are mounted too aren't original are they?

[RodnRudy]

Uh, no, most of the original bracket is rusted away. Sorry

[bob8619]

Is there any repair for that or is there no hope other than a new frame?

[68bowtie]

this is what it should look like

[bob8619]

Ouch. I cant believe I missed this

[bob8619]

If there is no repair for this I think I might vomit.

[Anthony14]

There no frame replacement sections that you can buy that I know of. Your best best is to find someone selling there frame and cut out the section you need and weld it in, or do a frame swap or re make the section from scratch, but idk what tools you have available to you.

[bob8619]

I can find somebody around here who can fabricate something. I just didn't know if that was some sort of big safety issue or something.

[Anthony14]

Originally Posted by bob8619

I can find somebody around here who can fabricate something. I just didn't know if that was some sort of big safety issue or something.

That's good. I would say yes, it's a safety issue. Not only is it your frame, but it's completely gone. What looks like a 1/4" plate that's installed there was done to take the load of the coil spring, but eventually that spring is gonna punch right though because what the 1/4"plate is secured to looks to be almost gone.

I personally wouldn't drive it like that unless it's to a shop to have repaired. That wouldn't pass a safety inspection either - at least up my way.

Good news it a decent shop should be able to fab up something and weld it in and you'll be good to go. Just make sure the other side it's as equally as rotted/damaged.

[bob8619]

Its got no engine in it and wont for a while so it wont be going anywhere. I feel much better knowing that a competent fabricator will be able to repair it. You're my hero right now Mr Anthony.

[Anthony14]

Hey, nothing that can't be done with a welder, brake, plasma cutter, cnc oh ya and some $$ I Would say that your best bet though would be to find a member that's selling a frame, and buy it and take what you need, or have them cutout what you need and then just have it welded in. I've see complete frames going for under $500 here on our forum and I would say that there's no way you can pay for time and materials to have that section made and it will be less then that - unless it's a buddy or favor. Then everything will be as near perfect as you can get. I believe that section of frame is not only a "c section" but also curved, so that's what I'd try and do first before having someone try and fab that.

[bob8619]

I have a friend who does exactly this kind of work so I'm going to get a price from him.
Depending on price I'll figure out which plan of attack to take. I only paid $500 for this thing so a little extra to fix this issue is ok. I just want to avoid having to travel great distances to get another frame.

[LongBox]

You could keep your eyes open for someone selling a "parts" truck, and buy the whole thing if the frame is good. Salvage parts, sell parts, then get the rest, if any, hauled off to recycling. In other words, it might be cheaper to buy a whole truck than to pay someone to fabricate a repair section for the frame you have.

Good luck on this one.

[bob8619]

Originally Posted by LongBox

You could keep your eyes open for someone selling a "parts" truck, and buy the whole thing if the frame is good. Salvage parts, sell parts, then get the rest, if any, hauled off to recycling. In other words, it might be cheaper to buy a whole truck than to pay someone to fabricate a repair section for the frame you have.

Good luck on this one.

Thank you, I will weigh out my options and see which is best.

[garyd1961]

What does the rest of the frame look like? Personally I wouldn't spend any money on that frame. I would buy another truck or at least a frame. If you could find another truck you could use one for parts and build the other one. A truck built on that frame will be pretty much worthless. I'm not saying you couldn't sell the parts but as a truck I wouldn't trust it.

[bob8619]

Originally Posted by garyd1961

What does the rest of the frame look like? Personally I wouldn't spend any money on that frame. I would buy another truck or at least a frame. If you could find another truck you could use one for parts and build the other one. A truck built on that frame will be pretty much worthless. I'm not saying you couldn't sell the parts but as a truck I wouldn't trust it.

Other than those sections I posted , it's all just surface rust.

[garyd1961]

Originally Posted by bob8619

Other than those sections I posted , it's all just surface rust.

I still wouldn't use the frame. You say you only have $500 in the truck so why put more into a worthless frame. You could cut it and weld a new rear section in but for the same money you could get another frame that's not cut and welded.
You are just getting started on your truck you might as well get started right. If you start out with a buggered frame you will never end up with a quality truck. No matter how much money you spend it will always be a truck with a cut up frame.
Rusty fenders, doors, hoods, and tailgates don't really matter that's cosmetic but the frame is structural. Without a good frame you will never have a good truck.

[bob8619]

Originally Posted by garyd1961

I still wouldn't use the frame. You say you only have $500 in the truck so why put more into a worthless frame. You could cut it and weld a new rear section in but for the same money you could get another frame that's not cut and welded.
You are just getting started on your truck you might as well get started right. If you start out with a buggered frame you will never end up with a quality truck. No matter how much money you spend it will always be a truck with a cut up frame.
Rusty fenders, doors, hoods, and tailgates don't really matter that's cosmetic but the frame is structural. Without a good frame you will never have a good truck.

True. I guess I should just start searching for a frame.

[bob8619]

Found a frame in the classifieds section for $300, works for me!

[RenoKeene]

Bob, I have a really nice 70 long bed frame you can have if you want to come get it.

[VWNate1]

That will buff right out.... .

[bob8619]

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

Bob, I have a really nice 70 long bed frame you can have if you want to come get it.

Thank you so very much for that offer! I actually talked to the guy I bought this from (local) and he has another truck that he is willing to strip and then sell me the frame for $250. He says it's good but if not , I will definitely take your offer.

[RenoKeene]

I'm sure it will still be here for awhile, if you need it let me know.

[bob8619]

Originally Posted by RenoKeene

I'm sure it will still be here for awhile, if you need it let me know.

I'll know in a day or two so it won't be long. Thanks again.