Save my frame???
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Elder User
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Save my frame???
Got my bed pulled yesterday and found out the back is shot. Can this be fixed by welding in new metal? Can the rear portion of the frame be replaced? Not sure if I can find another shortbed with a good frame. What are my options? The front is strong still. The rear has bad crossmembers, mounts, you name it. Heres some pics:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull004.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull003.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull007.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull002.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull006.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull001.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull004.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull003.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull007.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull002.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull006.jpg
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-...bedpull001.jpg
Last edited by LxMan1; Jun 25, 2006 at 02:24 PM. Reason: Changed pictures to links for dial-up users
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Originally Posted by Terran
Sure, you CAN weld it. But finding another, good frame is preferable, but if you don't want to do that, find your self a good local welder and prepare to shell out some serious cash.
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Originally Posted by hillbillyk
as long as the frame rails are good, you can cut the rivits off the crossmembers and spring mounts and replace them with good ones. Or if it is all very rusty just get another frame.
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IF you're bored, you can grind off the rust in some places, if the frame has signifigantly lost size due to scale, it's probably new frame time, but if most of it is ok, and there is just some areas of heavy rust, then you can get him to cut it out and weld it up, it's not impossible and it's not the end of the world, people box frames and build tube chassis all the time.
Also, check out POR-15 once it's all said and done, i put it on my VW Bug and i plan on putting it on my frame once i finish my 4wd project.
Also, check out POR-15 once it's all said and done, i put it on my VW Bug and i plan on putting it on my frame once i finish my 4wd project.
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Elder User
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Originally Posted by Terran
IF you're bored, you can grind off the rust in some places, if the frame has signifigantly lost size due to scale, it's probably new frame time, but if most of it is ok, and there is just some areas of heavy rust, then you can get him to cut it out and weld it up, it's not impossible and it's not the end of the world, people box frames and build tube chassis all the time.
Also, check out POR-15 once it's all said and done, i put it on my VW Bug and i plan on putting it on my frame once i finish my 4wd project.
Also, check out POR-15 once it's all said and done, i put it on my VW Bug and i plan on putting it on my frame once i finish my 4wd project.
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Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: on da beach
Odds are most frames of that age and in your same location will have frames that look like yours. If the frame rails are sound, you can replace the cross members. You can even make better cross members (tube or box) to replace yours. Did I see some missing steel next to the spring perch? that area will require a need for close attention, but I can be repaired. (I know Chevy owners had to add a bolt on plated behind their steering boxes because the frame would crack at the bolt holes) . This may seem like overkill to most guys here. Put it on jacks and Before you cut the frame, level, square and brace it first.
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Originally Posted by khadma
Odds are most frames of that age and in your same location will have frames that look like yours. If the frame rails are sound, you can replace the cross members. You can even make better cross members (tube or box) to replace yours. Did I see some missing steel next to the spring perch? that area will require a need for close attention, but I can be repaired. (I know Chevy owners had to add a bolt on plated behind their steering boxes because the frame would crack at the bolt holes) . This may seem like overkill to most guys here. Put it on jacks and Before you cut the frame, level, square and brace it first.
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You just have to measure and cut steel of the same thickness, there are no "precut" frame parts, frames are just plate steel cut and welded together. It takes a bit of fab but you can do it if you really want to fix this frame. You can do anything with a bit of determination and know-how!
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Originally Posted by Terran
You just have to measure and cut steel of the same thickness, there are no "precut" frame parts, frames are just plate steel cut and welded together. It takes a bit of fab but you can do it if you really want to fix this frame. You can do anything with a bit of determination and know-how!
Carpenter Local 745
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 5,794
Likes: 11
From: on da beach
Look in your local yellow pages under steel products, etc.
Plus the welders that you know will know where to get the best deal on steel.
Most steel suppliers have a little book called, weight and data tables.
These books usually list the steel they have in stock, and you can look for the sizes you need.
Try going to a fabrication shop first and ask them for scrap or balance pieces.
Steel suppliers usually make you buy the whole 20 foot length. Shop around first.
You can make a super tough frame, I know most hardcore 4 wheelers modify their frames, most chop off the whole rear section to make it to their liking.
Before you cut, make a drawing/measurements of all the critical pick up points.
Or locate a new frame
Plus the welders that you know will know where to get the best deal on steel.
Most steel suppliers have a little book called, weight and data tables.
These books usually list the steel they have in stock, and you can look for the sizes you need.
Try going to a fabrication shop first and ask them for scrap or balance pieces.
Steel suppliers usually make you buy the whole 20 foot length. Shop around first.
You can make a super tough frame, I know most hardcore 4 wheelers modify their frames, most chop off the whole rear section to make it to their liking.
Before you cut, make a drawing/measurements of all the critical pick up points.
Or locate a new frame
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 387
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Seriously, if you're going to hire a welder to do it, let them do all the work, plus if you want anything IMPROVED, now would be the time. It might cost you a bit, but they'll do it right the first time. If they have a drive-in shop, do that. Plus like i said, strongly consider a coating of POR-15, my frame is getting soem real soon.