Choosing donor for '59 Apache build

[addicted2dunes]

Originally Posted by rgunlock

Thanks for the encouragement! Hadn't gotten around to showing where I had to stretch the frame 7 1/2 inches to get the wheelbase right. My first "real" welding project! Angle inside top and bottom, then skin the outside. I'll probably box in that part of the frame as well - I'm thinking more linear feet of weld will offset my lack of experience! Anyone ready to sign up for the test drive??

You welding with a MIG with no gas there?

[addicted2dunes]

Definitely box it in that area.... not because of your welds but because you did a straight cut on your frame. Shoulda V'd it. I'd do a boxing plate about 18-24" long.

[rgunlock]

I was just using the flux-core wire without gas. I've since learned the error of my ways attempting to patch rust areas on my truck bed sides. Between a "how to" DVD I bought and later found the "patch panel welding 101" on Kawbe's build I think, I've got a bottle of 75/25 and switched to MIG and my welds look much cleaner. The auto-darkening mask helps tremendously as well.

I've seen where folk do a |__
| cut on their frame when shortening it. Is this what you mean by V'd it?

My donor frame had the front driver's side 1/2 of it grafted on, so I just cut out the whole repair and redid. Couldn't think of a good way to do that and get the longer weld surface.

[addicted2dunes]

Just box it and you'll be good. Another option would to double channel it. Have you ever seen a semi frame up close? It is a C-channel frame inside another C-channel frame.