Frame repair

[Al E.]

I haven removed my crossmember and I found some rot under the rear wheel well of the frame and near the crossmember rivet area. Does anyone know what gauge metal I need to use to graft the new sections in? They are no longer than 5 inches each but will need to be done before it gets out of control.

[Domenic T.]

Re: Frame repair

Al,
You will know when you start if you do a cut out and graft it in but in extreme cases guys just add over the top and 3/32 thick to 1/8 depending on the conditions and load.

My guess is that since you cought it in time you will be fine as it didn't fail yet.

DOM

[Al E.]

Re: Frame repair

Dom,

Its not weak but there are more than a few spots. SO I will clean it up and try to mark out where to cut and try to graft.

Thanks Al

[Thomas H.]

Re: Frame repair

Al,

Look at the pictures on my photobucket site and you'll get an idea for how I grafted new steel in.

Maybe post a picture or two of the areas you need to work on so we can possibly give some better direction.

Tom

[Dick W.]

Re: Frame repair

Besides the strength of the welds, alignment is one of the most important things about frame repair. I have replaced half frames, rails, repaired rails, etc I always made myself a jig using four inch channel steel on the floor and used 1 1/2" X 1 1/2" X 1/8" angle verticals. I raised the frame to a comfortable height to work on. leveled the mail rails, tack welded the angle to the side rails, and then proceeded to cut and repair. You can never have too many braces while doing this.

[Al E.]

Re: Frame repair

Al,

Look at the pictures on my photobucket site and you'll get an idea for how I grafted new steel in.

Maybe post a picture or two of the areas you need to work on so we can possibly give some better direction.

Tom

What did yuo use to cut the frame..

[Thomas H.]

Re: Frame repair

An air powered wizzer tool. Same tool I used to cut the welds from the crossmember.