How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Gregski** · 03-13-2022, 09:25 AM

I am looking for advice on how to flatten that raised section of the top of the front passenger side frame rail. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it is there to accommodate the lower radiator hose. Regardless I am converting my '69 to an electric and have plans to set a battery pack atop the frame in that section so I would like to make it flat like the other side.

I hope these picture convey what I am trying to accomplish.

Thank you in advance,
g

LONGHAIR · 03-13-2022, 09:32 AM

I'm thinking that this is a "take your pick" kind of thing.
A little heat and a hammer/dolly
Trim most or all of it away. Saw, whizz wheel, torch, plasma cutter, etc
No heat and more hammer. To get it truly flat, you might need to cut a slit or two into it, to give the metal somewhere to go, then weld them back closed.
Grinder

**Gregski** · 03-13-2022, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

I'm thinking that this is a "take your pick" kind of thing.
A little heat and a hammer/dolly
Trim most or all of it away. Saw, whizz wheel, torch, plasma cutter, etc
No heat and more hammer. To get it truly flat, you might need to cut a slit or two into it, to give the metal somewhere to go, then weld them back closed.
Grinder

thank you so much sound advice, especially this part:

Quote:

Originally Posted by LONGHAIR

To get it truly flat, you might need to cut a slit or two into it, to give the metal somewhere to go, then weld them back closed.

I have minimal metal working experience but yes I have cut relief cuts in sheet metal before in order to return it to it's original shape after it was stretched out sort of speak

Do you think using heat and large C Clamps of sorts would pull it down into submission, and not pull the bottom (non heated) part of the C channel up?

Along those lines I thought of putting some sort of metal bar on top of it then clamping that down, but then I wonder how I would heat up the frame (maybe upside down with the torch) but then the metal bar would act as a heat sink? here I go again over thinking stuff, ha ha

also considering picking up this 48" pipe wrench off of Craigslist to use as leverage

thanks again

Redneck Rydes · 03-13-2022, 10:15 AM

That relief there was for the fuel pump on V8 engines ,

**Gregski** · 03-13-2022, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redneck Rydes

That relief there was for the fuel pump on V8 engines ,

ah, thank you for correcting me

**LockDoc** · 03-13-2022, 10:55 AM

-
Start at one end, make a relief cut about 1" in, angled toward the center of the radius, heat & hammer down first piece, another relief cut, heat & hammer down second section (trim sides as necessary), and continue down the line. After you are happy with the outcome weld up & grind down.

LockDoc

Myself · 03-13-2022, 10:59 AM

I'd just heat the whole area red with a torch and hammer and dolley it flat. It won't really take that long to do.

**LockDoc** · 03-13-2022, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Myself

I'd just heat the whole area red with a torch and hammer and dolley it flat. It won't really take that long to do.

I tried that. You end up with wrinkles in it that you have to grind off and weld up anyway so it's just as easy to make the cuts and do it a section at a time, and it looks better overall when you are finished.

LockDoc

CantPutTheSmokeBack · 03-13-2022, 11:41 AM

You could also cut that top section out, then weld in a new piece. Just be sure to get thick enough donor material. You could even cut that section out, flatten it, then cut off excess and weld it back in.
Posted via Mobile Device

SCOTI · 03-13-2022, 12:18 PM

I've used a big crescent/pipe wrench to get it done. Start @ one end moving the lip down a little. Move over about the width of the tool jaws & repeat. Continue following the raised area. Repeat until it's flat & use a 60grit flap disc to true the edges w/the surrounding rail sections. A little hammer/dolley work helps as well.

KQQL IT · 03-13-2022, 12:22 PM

Gregski did the square body find a new home.

Reading your thread was a good read.

**Gregski** · 03-13-2022, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I've used a big crescent/pipe wrench to get it done. Start @ one end moving the lip down a little. Move over about the width of the tool jaws & repeat. Continue following the raised area. Repeat until it's flat & use a 60grit flap disc to true the edges w/the surrounding rail sections. A little hammer/dolley work helps as well.

funny you say that cause I just scored these large adjustable hammers on Craigslist, the big one is even made in the US.... Bonus!

**Gregski** · 03-13-2022, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KQQL IT

Gregski did the square body find a new home.

Reading your thread was a good read.

yes, and thank you, a father and son duo came by ca$h in hand and took Rusty to a great new home, we stay in touch, they just sent it to the body shop and it's going to get painted, he is keeping a similar look of green n black but wants a rear bumper and to ditch the slider back window, I am glad he likes it

[shameless self promotion]

please check out my current build, the truck is called Dusty and I'm making it electric, I have some YouTube videos to go with it on my Good Enuff Garage channel

My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck

[/promotion]

GASoline71 · 03-13-2022, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redneck Rydes

That relief there was for the fuel pump on V8 engines ,

Yup... will need to reroute fuel line to get past it if mashed flat.

Gary

**truckster** · 03-13-2022, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GASoline71

Yup... will need to reroute fuel line to get past it if mashed flat.

Gary

It appears he's building an electric truck.

CG · 03-13-2022, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckster

It appears he's building an electric truck.

Link to his build ....

https://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/...d.php?t=826089

GASoline71 · 03-14-2022, 02:05 PM

Nevermind then...

Gary

**Gregski** · 03-17-2022, 10:33 PM

I love this forum, armed with your advice I put on my Big Boy Pants and made sum noise

**Gregski** · 03-17-2022, 10:35 PM

first up, Big Bertha and sum brut force

**Gregski** · 03-17-2022, 10:37 PM

then the mini death wheel

**Gregski** · 03-17-2022, 10:40 PM

please don't knock these little Home Depot torches until you've tried a proper torch like this Benzomatic TS8000, cause it doesn't matter if its the blue bottle or the yellow one, it has nothing to do with the type of gas or fuel but everything to do with the proper mixture

**Gregski** · 03-17-2022, 10:42 PM

she's gettin' there

**Gregski** · 03-17-2022, 10:43 PM

not bad for an email administrator

**1970 CST Short Wide** · 03-17-2022, 11:03 PM

Very interested in following your conversion to electric. Hope you post more

**Gregski** · 03-17-2022, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1970 CST Short Wide

Very interested in following your conversion to electric. Hope you post more

um... My Dusty 71 GMCe Electruck

03-13-2022, 09:25 AM	#1
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,840	How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? I am looking for advice on how to flatten that raised section of the top of the front passenger side frame rail. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe it is there to accommodate the lower radiator hose. Regardless I am converting my '69 to an electric and have plans to set a battery pack atop the frame in that section so I would like to make it flat like the other side. I hope these picture convey what I am trying to accomplish. Thank you in advance, g Attached Images

03-13-2022, 10:15 AM	#4
Redneck Rydes Registered User Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Trenton,Ontario & South Carolina Posts: 755	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? That relief there was for the fuel pump on V8 engines ,

03-13-2022, 10:55 AM	#6
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,581	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? - Start at one end, make a relief cut about 1" in, angled toward the center of the radius, heat & hammer down first piece, another relief cut, heat & hammer down second section (trim sides as necessary), and continue down the line. After you are happy with the outcome weld up & grind down. LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

03-13-2022, 10:59 AM	#7
Myself Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Northern Arkansas Posts: 1,136	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? I'd just heat the whole area red with a torch and hammer and dolley it flat. It won't really take that long to do.

03-13-2022, 11:41 AM	#9
CantPutTheSmokeBack Registered User Join Date: Mar 2022 Location: Erin, TN Posts: 46	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? You could also cut that top section out, then weld in a new piece. Just be sure to get thick enough donor material. You could even cut that section out, flatten it, then cut off excess and weld it back in. Posted via Mobile Device

03-13-2022, 12:18 PM	#10
SCOTI Registered User Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: DALLAS,TX Posts: 21,994	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? I've used a big crescent/pipe wrench to get it done. Start @ one end moving the lip down a little. Move over about the width of the tool jaws & repeat. Continue following the raised area. Repeat until it's flat & use a 60grit flap disc to true the edges w/the surrounding rail sections. A little hammer/dolley work helps as well. __________________ 67SWB-B.B.RetroRod 64SWB-Recycle 89CCDually-Driver/Tow Truck 99CCSWB Driver All Fleetsides @rattlecankustoms in IG Building a small, high rpm engine with the perfect bore, stroke and rod ratio is very impressive. It's like a highly skilled Morrocan sword fighter with a Damascus Steel Scimitar..... *Cubic inches is like Indiana Jones with a cheap pistol.*

03-13-2022, 12:22 PM	#11
KQQL IT At the body shop. Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Land of fruits and nuts. Posts: 5,229	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? Gregski did the square body find a new home. Reading your thread was a good read. __________________ " That didnt make it any newer " " Dont antique the equipment "

03-17-2022, 10:33 PM	#18
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,840	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? I love this forum, armed with your advice I put on my Big Boy Pants and made sum noise Attached Images

03-17-2022, 10:35 PM	#19
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,840	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? first up, Big Bertha and sum brut force Attached Images

03-17-2022, 10:37 PM	#20
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,840	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? then the mini death wheel Attached Images Last edited by Gregski; 03-17-2022 at 11:17 PM.

03-17-2022, 10:40 PM	#21
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,840	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? please don't knock these little Home Depot torches until you've tried a proper torch like this Benzomatic TS8000, cause it doesn't matter if its the blue bottle or the yellow one, it has nothing to do with the type of gas or fuel but everything to do with the proper mixture Attached Images

03-17-2022, 10:42 PM	#22
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,840	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? she's gettin' there Attached Images

03-17-2022, 10:43 PM	#23
Gregski Post Whore Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 10,840	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? not bad for an email administrator Attached Images

03-17-2022, 11:03 PM	#24
1970 CST Short Wide Senior Moment Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pittsburg Ca Posts: 4,153	Re: How do I flatten the top of the frame rail? Very interested in following your conversion to electric. Hope you post more __________________ 1970 CST LS 1 6 speed Ford 9 inch Detroit Tru Track, Dakota Didgital, Vintage Air, QA1 Coil Overs Front & Rear Lots of FUN 2013 GMC PU, Oldest Son 71 GMC LWB. QA1 Suspension, Angry SB. Youngest Son 2019 GMC Diesil Dually. Youngest Son 2017 Toyota SUV Daughters car 2018 Traverse , Wife’s Ride Pittsburg Ca 94565



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