I was out in the shop today working on straightening the frame. After my efforts, all of my diagonal measurements going off of existing holes on the topside of the frame are within 1/8" to 1/4" of each other (the 1/4" off is from very rear of passenger side to very front of drivers side). The height of the rails when pulling a string are all within 1/4"-3/8".

Given these findings, is this within spec for this frame? The cab and bed were not bolted down when I got the truck so I have nothing to go off of as to prior alignment. My main concern as that I don't want it to dogleg going down the road once it's back together. I'm sure the bed could be shimmed if it's a hair off.

Advice is welcome....this is a learning experience already.

 

Not to mention, the scrap yards around here are selling used rail for about $40 A FOOT! They make great anvils. You're money ahead already!

 

Great pics, the rail might be handy for wheelies... since it weighs about 100 lb. per yard. Please keep the pics coming, and welcome to FTE you can get a lot of knowledge and training here, lots of helpful folks.
Mike

 

Any thoughts on these measurements? I had a friend come verify the frame looks good to him but neither of us know the factory tolerances. Do these measurements seem good or do they need to be closer?

 

For what you're doing, I think you'll be fine. On unibody cars, the standard is within 1/8". There's a lot more room for adjustment on these old trucks than late model cars have. And no one will notice dogtracking if your diamond is ~1/4" or less.

 

Originally Posted by 52 Merc
Just so we're clear, that's railroad rail, not a railroad tie. The tie is the wooden blocks on the ground the rails sit on. But from what appears to be before and after pics, it looks like you've already taken care of that issue.That's interesting your local scrap yards are selling railroad rail. After my Dad passed away a couple years ago, my brother-in-law tried to take some old rail pieces my Dad had laying around to the scrap place. They wouldn't buy it saying it was against the law to buy, sell, or even own the stuff and it is all considered stolen property. Go figure.

 

Thanks. I am going to go ahead and have the frame blasted and start working on the front suspension.

I can testify first hand how heavy the rail is.....started cutting it off of the frame and was just holding it with one hand. Something told me to put jack stands under it and glad I did....probably would be missing half of my foot right now!

 

Update....

 

Nice work. Keep the progress going, I will be watching for more pictures.

 

Thanks.....it's coming slowly but surely.

 

Epoxy primer GOOD !! Keep up the progessive work .

 

Sweet! Very nice job so far.

 

Are you using a different cab? The thread says f-1 but cab emblem says f-6

 

Yes, my original cab was very rough and a guy locally was parting out a '48 f6 in which the cab was near perfect. I always have liked the smaller window cabs better anyway so it worked out good.

 

Just a quick update, I installed the chassis engineering crossmember and am about to start hanging the components. New chassis engineering leaf springs are also installed. A special thank you to reed1951 and doc for pointing me in the right direction on the crossmember placement.