Frame patch kit?
Thread Starter
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Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 90
Likes: 9
Frame patch kit?
Hello everyone,
So i'll try to make this short....
I have a 1998 F150 XLT, 4x4, 5spd manual, 4.6L. I decided about 2 years ago to "repair/restore" it, for it was my dad's old truck and has sentimental value. I have thrown TONS of parts into it already and am happy with the results.
One problem.....
There are a couple spots on the frame that have rust holes in them. I have done countless hours of rust repair on this truck already, and this is the last thing I NEED to fix. The problematic rust spots are basically where the frame starts to "swoop up" before entering the wheel wells. Basically where your butt to feet would be on the frame. (I will attach pictures soon.) I have found plenty of kits for 2004 on up F150's, but nothing for a 1998.
Does anyone know if someone makes a frame repair kit for these trucks? Specifically what I have.
I am not in the position to be swapping out an entire frame, nor do I wish to, and would rather not have to fabricate my own IF POSSIBLE; however, does anyone have a solid recommendation on what metal to use if I were to do so? Standard 1/8" sheet metal from a metal yard?
Thank you. Any help would be appreciated.
So i'll try to make this short....
I have a 1998 F150 XLT, 4x4, 5spd manual, 4.6L. I decided about 2 years ago to "repair/restore" it, for it was my dad's old truck and has sentimental value. I have thrown TONS of parts into it already and am happy with the results.
One problem.....
There are a couple spots on the frame that have rust holes in them. I have done countless hours of rust repair on this truck already, and this is the last thing I NEED to fix. The problematic rust spots are basically where the frame starts to "swoop up" before entering the wheel wells. Basically where your butt to feet would be on the frame. (I will attach pictures soon.) I have found plenty of kits for 2004 on up F150's, but nothing for a 1998.
Does anyone know if someone makes a frame repair kit for these trucks? Specifically what I have.
I am not in the position to be swapping out an entire frame, nor do I wish to, and would rather not have to fabricate my own IF POSSIBLE; however, does anyone have a solid recommendation on what metal to use if I were to do so? Standard 1/8" sheet metal from a metal yard?
Thank you. Any help would be appreciated.
More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 607
Likes: 153
From: Canada
Technically speaking. You cannot. So. You're repair must be hidden. Welds ground. And of a sufficient grade of steal as to have similar properties. Lots of people do fix their frames and its up to the man to decide if you get a V.I. So Go to Metal Mart and get something get good steel. Once the frames fixed and you needle scale the rust. Then I would get some Fluid Film Black. And coat the entire frame inside and out. Hiding the repair area. Make sure it's a quality weld.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 373
From: WA
I'd hit the wrecking yard and cut out the pieces that you need. If you can find them. They'll have the proper bends and brackets.
Not clear where you live so it's not clear what your local DMV requires.
Not clear where you live so it's not clear what your local DMV requires.
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 90
Likes: 9
Understood.
Dorman doesn't have anything unfortunately for a 1998 Ford F150. It's quite odd that parts are often hard to find for these trucks while so many were made.
The frame isn't horrible, but there is a small hole on the bottom portion where water/debris must have sat for a good while. I have already gone through the entire frame, looked everything over, done as much rust removal and neutralizing as possible, primed, painted, and rubber coated. Basically the best one could do without sand blasting and dipping. I did this about a year ago and as best as I can see (understood that it might not show) it seems to be holding up. I guess i'll basically be making the equivalent that Dorman typically offers. I've put a few thousand miles on the truck since all the repairs and about 100 of that was some pretty bumpy/rough off road. No cracks or any further visible damage anywhere. Honestly all the work is more precautionary than anything. I'd rather over support the frame even if it isn't ACTUALLY needed.
If anyone happens to come across any companies that make the supports like Dorman, but for a 1998 F150, please let me know. Thanks for the tips and advice.
Dorman doesn't have anything unfortunately for a 1998 Ford F150. It's quite odd that parts are often hard to find for these trucks while so many were made.
The frame isn't horrible, but there is a small hole on the bottom portion where water/debris must have sat for a good while. I have already gone through the entire frame, looked everything over, done as much rust removal and neutralizing as possible, primed, painted, and rubber coated. Basically the best one could do without sand blasting and dipping. I did this about a year ago and as best as I can see (understood that it might not show) it seems to be holding up. I guess i'll basically be making the equivalent that Dorman typically offers. I've put a few thousand miles on the truck since all the repairs and about 100 of that was some pretty bumpy/rough off road. No cracks or any further visible damage anywhere. Honestly all the work is more precautionary than anything. I'd rather over support the frame even if it isn't ACTUALLY needed.
If anyone happens to come across any companies that make the supports like Dorman, but for a 1998 F150, please let me know. Thanks for the tips and advice.
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 532
Likes: 92
Hello everyone,
So i'll try to make this short....
I have a 1998 F150 XLT, 4x4, 5spd manual, 4.6L. I decided about 2 years ago to "repair/restore" it, for it was my dad's old truck and has sentimental value. I have thrown TONS of parts into it already and am happy with the results.
One problem.....
There are a couple spots on the frame that have rust holes in them. I have done countless hours of rust repair on this truck already, and this is the last thing I NEED to fix. The problematic rust spots are basically where the frame starts to "swoop up" before entering the wheel wells. Basically where your butt to feet would be on the frame. (I will attach pictures soon.) I have found plenty of kits for 2004 on up F150's, but nothing for a 1998.
Does anyone know if someone makes a frame repair kit for these trucks? Specifically what I have.
I am not in the position to be swapping out an entire frame, nor do I wish to, and would rather not have to fabricate my own IF POSSIBLE; however, does anyone have a solid recommendation on what metal to use if I were to do so? Standard 1/8" sheet metal from a metal yard?
Thank you. Any help would be appreciated.
So i'll try to make this short....
I have a 1998 F150 XLT, 4x4, 5spd manual, 4.6L. I decided about 2 years ago to "repair/restore" it, for it was my dad's old truck and has sentimental value. I have thrown TONS of parts into it already and am happy with the results.
One problem.....
There are a couple spots on the frame that have rust holes in them. I have done countless hours of rust repair on this truck already, and this is the last thing I NEED to fix. The problematic rust spots are basically where the frame starts to "swoop up" before entering the wheel wells. Basically where your butt to feet would be on the frame. (I will attach pictures soon.) I have found plenty of kits for 2004 on up F150's, but nothing for a 1998.
Does anyone know if someone makes a frame repair kit for these trucks? Specifically what I have.
I am not in the position to be swapping out an entire frame, nor do I wish to, and would rather not have to fabricate my own IF POSSIBLE; however, does anyone have a solid recommendation on what metal to use if I were to do so? Standard 1/8" sheet metal from a metal yard?
Thank you. Any help would be appreciated.
just swap the frame
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