The previous owner of my 55 F100 made an odd repair. This looks to be just brazed and not MIG welded. Why would someone do this? The Frame does not look cracked. Is this a common way to repair a loose spring hanger?

 

Not common sense to me, all they had to do was ground out the rivet and put a bolt in...

 

what Jaye said...

grind off those bird droppings / remove the rivet (if there is a problem) and grade 8 bolt it

John

 

Is there a way to replace the rivet? I'd like it to not look repaired.

 

There is if you know how to put in a rivet. In your case you will need a rivet, the proper air tool and some way to heat the rivet. Even back in the time your truck was made, the Ford garage would have replaced it with bolts just like they did with ball joints that were riveted in.

Later Man...

 

I moved my rear crossmember to make room for the new aluminum gas tank. Instead of rivets I used stainless steel bolts with a button head. I guess that if you were really set on making it look like a rivet you could grind the head to shape and then fill in the hex hole after installation. When I did this job I found one of the rivets had sheared...never would have known it if I hadn't started working on it for another reason.

 

I like the button head idea.... That looks a lot better then going with a hex head. Filling it in is a good idea too. Thanks!

 

had the same thing done on the rear end of the truck by the p.o, mine was better! had a gap on top between the frame and the shackle so he put a bolt in between and welded it all together, gotta like these butchers!

 

friggin farmers lol

 

My truck was bought in Baytown... Good-Ole Texas Oilfield Redneck work here.

 

Lets be nice. Call lousy repairs PO or previous owner repairs etc., just don't beat up on the farmers and oil field workers. Our country needs both to survive. Over the years, I've seen good and bad repairs in many professions. thanks,chuck

 

Let's not forget that real Trucks often had real-time "in the field" repairs because they were working vehicles. God love 'em.....

 

Big Flats Rivet Co. - Authentic rivets for vintage cars. In case you want a rivet

 

I apologize for not being politically correct It seems you cant say nothing these days without offending someone

 

woodyf1

I saw the lol on your first comment, I refuse to be politically correct. But if it was a famer repair the give away would have been a square headed bolt. Humor ardt ardt ardt!!!