frame question

[MRNURSE]

hey all, first off like to say this is my first post. glad to be here.

ok, I bought a 72 swb "project" we will just call it a rust bucket....... anyways, taking it down to the frame and gonna start from bottom and work my way up. my question is with the ends of the frame rails. one of the P.O. cut the ends off to put on roll pans.........I want to put bumpers back on it. is there a company that sells peices of the frame like that that I could trim and weld back on to the tips so that the factory mounting locations are restored? or will they need to be fabricated? also if someone could post some pictures of the ends of their factory frame rails that would help too.



thanks

[N2TRUX]

Welcome to the forum MRNURSE. Glad to have another Texan on the forum. I don't know of a supplier that offer frame rail ends but that doesn't mean they are not out there. I am still learning about 67-72.

The easiest way to replace those ends would be to get a set from a donor frame. You might check for a "auto dismantler" in your area to see if they have a frame you could cut.

If not, consider subscribing here and posting a Wanted to Buy. I'll bet someone would make you a deal.

[MRNURSE]

thanks, I will post in the wanted section.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by MRNURSE

thanks, I will post in the wanted section....

Welcome from DFW. To post a 'WTB' thread, you'll need to become a supporting member of the site per the rules when you signed up. It's $25 which is tough for some w/this economy, but well worth the combined knowledge & resources offered from this group of enthusiasts. It will allow you to post within the classified forums.

If the $25 is not in the cards right now, I agree w/N2TRUX & would check my local auto dismantler & you should be able to find what you need.

That being said, I'm about to do something similar. I'm going to possibly be cutting the frame horns off of a 68 frame & replacing them w/some from a 65 frame (they're different). If you can post up a pic of how much was cut from your frame, I might be able to cut mine in a way that gets you what ya' need.

[dammitmitchell]

hey look another texan..
why not just go down to the junk yard and cut some off another truck?...that would be the easiest way to get the entire bumper assembly and everything from a junk yard..

[MRNURSE]

I will take a picture when I get home.......working today. and I think that there was maybe 2 or three inches were cut off. I also need to grind off the tow hooks they welded to the frame.... I am taking the cab off on wed. this truck was RUSTY. I really do not think I will have any of the original truck there when I am done.

[MRNURSE]

I will see if i can find a junk yard that has older vehicles in them. the local ones i know of do not have this old of cars in them........

[protrash64]

You mite be able to just buy some steel channel and make your own. I picked up a 4'' channel remnant yesterday to tie my rear rails together....its a 64, so mite be a different size for your truck, but its the same idea. Good luck and to the board.

[MRNURSE]

i JUST WANNA SAY THANKS FOR ALL THE WARM WELCOMING!!!!!!!!!

[MRNURSE]

the guy I bought the truck from has several old parts trucks that he is gonna let me chop some frame rail ends off of. what is the difference between the 5 and 6 lug rearends?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by MRNURSE

the guy I bought the truck from has several old parts trucks that he is gonna let me chop some frame rail ends off of. what is the difference between the 5 and 6 lug rearends?

71-87 5-lug truck rear ends are wider (approx .750" per side) vs. the OE 64-70 6-lug rear. The exception would be if the axles have been upgraded/swapped w/aftermarket units in a 6-lug housing.

[MRNURSE]

he said it was a 6 lug rear that was put in to replace the 5 lug parts that were taken......... I am just courious if I need to get the correct year rearend or if I can use the one I have. the guy i bought the truck from told me that I could swap out just the axles but my bearings would wear out in a short time. he said he had a 5 lug rear end that he wants 200 for, is that alot? I am sure if will need to be rebuilt from sitting in the weather.

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by MRNURSE

he said it was a 6 lug rear that was put in to replace the 5 lug parts that were taken......... I am just courious if I need to get the correct year rearend or if I can use the one I have. the guy i bought the truck from told me that I could swap out just the axles but my bearings would wear out in a short time. he said he had a 5 lug rear end that he wants 200 for, is that alot? I am sure if will need to be rebuilt from sitting in the weather.

For $300 you can get new, stronger, correct fitting 5-lug axles that fit right in the 6-lug housing.