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Old 12-03-2002, 12:27 PM   #1
smithjp1
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Unhappy HELP with FRAME!

I just bought my first Chevy Truck 68' swb 4x4, I got to cleaning the frame for a restoration, I found a damaged frame near the Steering box. It seems that it has already been patched for repair, and recracked near the bolts, it has a plate that has been welded on the inside of the frame and welded support bar. Anyway it looks like it needs a good fix.

I am green to this restoration process, and love doing it, is there someone out there could help, I will send photos if need be?

I live in the Katy, Texas
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Old 12-03-2002, 12:51 PM   #2
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Can't help ya, But welcome to the board!
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Old 12-03-2002, 02:09 PM   #3
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Can you post a picture?
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Old 12-03-2002, 03:11 PM   #4
rusty ol' 69'
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Common

It's a common stress point for forbys. Either take everything off and repair it or try to get a donor frame with no damage. I would get an estimate from a welder (if you can't do it yourself, but I wouldn't recomend trying if it's your first time). I think your best bet is to find a donor frame, and attach a stress plate between the box and frame. It's been a while since I've had a 4x4, but when buying an old chevy 4x4 the first thing to look for is stress cracks by the steering box, and if it's got 'em don't get it. Anyway, you could try fixing it, but it just might happen again. I would opt for a new frame.

Good luck,

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Old 12-03-2002, 03:17 PM   #5
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lets see some pics! and welcome from nashville.
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Old 12-03-2002, 03:35 PM   #6
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Thanks for the reply

Here is one view
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Old 12-03-2002, 03:37 PM   #7
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here you can see how they tried to patch it
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Old 12-03-2002, 03:39 PM   #8
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Replace or Fix

A plate was also put it to fix the frame

Give me your suggestions

New Frame or should I fix it?
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Old 12-03-2002, 03:48 PM   #9
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Wow! By the looks of it I would be looking for a new frame. Unless of course I lived next door to ebfabman!!!
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Old 12-03-2002, 03:49 PM   #10
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If you doing a total restore I would try the doner frame idea, or the new frame idea would be even better. BTW The frame I had looked 100 times worst, but still worked and looked good after all the welding and grinding. good luck
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Old 12-03-2002, 04:00 PM   #11
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if you are going for a full restoration i would get e new frame if not get it take it to a good welder and get it repaired
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Old 12-03-2002, 04:18 PM   #12
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Where would I get a new frame cheap?

I wish I would have known before I bouth the truck.

What year model frames work on the 68 4x4 swb body

Thanks for the input!
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Old 12-03-2002, 04:29 PM   #13
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Lightbulb New frame

I'm not totally shore but the experts here might be able to give you a little better idea but if I was going to do it I might try going with a newer style frame. You would gain a lot of the new technology that everyone else tries to shoe horn in as after market assessories. Also parts in general seem to be a little cheaper for mid 70's to early 80's trucks. Just something that might be worth looking into if you are going with a new frame.

So what does everyone else think


Da Hound

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Old 12-03-2002, 05:09 PM   #14
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fill in your location in your profile then someone may be able to help you a little better
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Old 12-03-2002, 06:32 PM   #15
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I can get my hands on a lwb frame fairly cheap

Is this an easy swap, to put a swb body on a long wheel base frame?
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Old 12-03-2002, 06:53 PM   #16
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First thing I would do is check the junkyards. Since the posts I have seen so far from Texas seem to have a lot of yards available for these types of trucks. Or you could try making a post, something like, "looking for swb 4x4 frame in Texas!!" I'm sure someone on here would have one and they might even be close by. From the looks of the frame it is in need of some serious fabricating. You could also go cheap and find a donor frame in a junkyard and if you have a portable cutter (And if the yard will let you) you cut out the front part of the frame and then match it (notch the frame or dog ear it) but you need to make sure that you or who ever you get to do it knows what they're doing. Otherwise, you'll end up worse off. But the easiest would be to look for another used frame in texas. You should be able to get a used one at a resonable price, just make sure to inspect the whole frame next time. Oh and I would just stick with the swb for 67-68 otherwise you'll have to end up doing more work than you want. Unless you want front disc brakes, but that's another topic. Alright I've gone on for way too long.

Good luck,

Rusty
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Old 12-03-2002, 06:55 PM   #17
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About the lwb you would need a new bed, driveline, etc. that's why I said stick with the swb
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Old 12-03-2002, 06:58 PM   #18
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Man I really appreciate all the input
Would a frame from a 68 swb 2wd work on my truck?
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Old 12-03-2002, 07:10 PM   #19
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Probably, but then your getting into more custom modifications than neccesary. But I don't know whether or not they made the frames differently (ie. more or less support for front end). I would try to stick with a 67-68 swb 4x4 frame. It would probably be less work to put a lwb 4x4 than a swb 2x4. Since I've never done either I couldn't tell ya. Sorry
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Old 12-03-2002, 07:33 PM   #20
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a reputable welding shop should be able to repair your frame with little trouble.... they would cut out the old repair and fabricate a new piece, welding it in from both sides for maximum penetration... then drill a new mounting hole and you're in business...

you could also have them fab you a reinforcment plate for the outside of the frame, for more strength, or make one yourself...

the front frame horn repair would be a slam dunk...

I would ask around for a recommenation and then get an estimate....

I welded a frame with the same problem around the steering box for a friend with a 74 Blazer... the key was taking the time to remove the steering box so I could weld from both sides... it's still holding 5 years later.

Can't imagine wanting to toss the whole frame when it can be repaired fairly easily...
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Old 12-03-2002, 08:45 PM   #21
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If your not intending a a full show truck you could do what I did on a later model 4wd that had the same prob. It had been welded several times and still cracked. I took and cut the frame rail under the cab behind the front cabmount and welded in a good section from another frame. I plated the inside the rail, the cab mount bridged the weld on the outside of the rail and also help hide the repair. I also added the repair strengthing piece you can buy to put behind the steering box. I never had any trouble with it again.
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Old 12-03-2002, 09:15 PM   #22
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great thats the kind of advise I have been looking for

Thanks.

Do you have photos?
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Old 12-03-2002, 09:51 PM   #23
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Check this post on the parts board.
Another member has a 72 swb 4x4 frame for $750
Be sure and check it for cracks around the steering box.
This would be a good upgrade for your project as there were quite a few changes through these years and 72 being the most desirable.
I believe he goes by Marlborough_Man and he is in Stephenville Texas
That is within a day drive for you.

A 68 Short 4x4 is a good find for a project.

I learned the same way as you did about the steering box frame mount cracks on a 68 GMC short step that I bought to restore some 15 years ago. I ended up bailing out on it and gave it away to a kid in the neighborhood. It also had some issues with the early model axles, which had the super long hubs with drum brakes. It just seemed like too much trouble at the time.

Good luck


http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=31602
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Old 12-04-2002, 02:17 AM   #24
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Dude check out this link from efabman. He did a really sweet job on his frame (made a lwb into a swb). Anyway, he took some good pictures of each step for notching the frame. Check it out:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ame+shortening
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