Frame work
Frame work
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 870
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY Rochester
Frame work
A couple of questions-
1. Can it be moved without damaging the frame any further?
2. Is the rust just through the sides or does it go around the top and bottom?
3. Is it rusted through to any major suspension parts, like the rear spring hangers, front A-arms?
4. Is it rusted through to any of the drivetrain components, such as the tranny mounts, the steering box, engine mounts?
5. Are all the body mounts accounted for and re-useable?
6. Hows the body of the Ranchero itself? Is it worth repairing?
First, and formost you should consider if the body itself is worth restoring. If so, and you think it won't cost more than 500. bucks to bring it up to pre-paint status, keep going.
Next would be to see if you can move the entire vehicle, without breaking anything, (flat-bed it if you have to), and take it to a collision shop to have the entire frame bead blasted. It's fairly inexpensive and will honestly tell you the true condition of the frame you are working with.
If you can have the collision shop give you an honest estimate for repairs, and it's not more than 1,500.00 bucks, I would consider having the work done. They have the proper set-up to make sure the frame is straight, before they weld anything.
If the frame is beyond repair, or the estimate is more than 1,500.00, then you may want to contact a few restoration and customizing companies to have a frame made up for you.
A new frame shouldn't be more than 1,800.00 to 2,000.00. You will have to have the body mount's welded on as well as engine mounts and tranny mounts. If you plan on using the stock suspension front and rear, those mounts can also be welded on.
You may want to consider a custom front suspension, like a Mustang set-up. I'm sure you have the 9" rear and want to keep that.
If this is sounding like alot of money, it is. But if you really like the vehicle and plan on keeping it for 5 years or more, after the resto, then you have to go for it!! Get back to us and let us know how you are doing. Good luck....
1. Can it be moved without damaging the frame any further?
2. Is the rust just through the sides or does it go around the top and bottom?
3. Is it rusted through to any major suspension parts, like the rear spring hangers, front A-arms?
4. Is it rusted through to any of the drivetrain components, such as the tranny mounts, the steering box, engine mounts?
5. Are all the body mounts accounted for and re-useable?
6. Hows the body of the Ranchero itself? Is it worth repairing?
First, and formost you should consider if the body itself is worth restoring. If so, and you think it won't cost more than 500. bucks to bring it up to pre-paint status, keep going.
Next would be to see if you can move the entire vehicle, without breaking anything, (flat-bed it if you have to), and take it to a collision shop to have the entire frame bead blasted. It's fairly inexpensive and will honestly tell you the true condition of the frame you are working with.
If you can have the collision shop give you an honest estimate for repairs, and it's not more than 1,500.00 bucks, I would consider having the work done. They have the proper set-up to make sure the frame is straight, before they weld anything.
If the frame is beyond repair, or the estimate is more than 1,500.00, then you may want to contact a few restoration and customizing companies to have a frame made up for you.
A new frame shouldn't be more than 1,800.00 to 2,000.00. You will have to have the body mount's welded on as well as engine mounts and tranny mounts. If you plan on using the stock suspension front and rear, those mounts can also be welded on.
You may want to consider a custom front suspension, like a Mustang set-up. I'm sure you have the 9" rear and want to keep that.
If this is sounding like alot of money, it is. But if you really like the vehicle and plan on keeping it for 5 years or more, after the resto, then you have to go for it!! Get back to us and let us know how you are doing. Good luck....
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
truckerdead
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Sep 10, 2013 10:01 PM
RAILMAN
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Apr 11, 2000 05:40 AM
