Frame repairs
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
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Frame repairs
Ok, I only have one bad spot on the frame of my '53 F-250. It looks like at one time someone tried to pull something with the rear frame brace. The brace is bent and needs to be replaced and the right frame rail is bent outward slightly in this area. You can see this damage in the picture below.
What would be the best way to straighten out the frame rail in this area? I'm not too worried about it as I doubt it would affect the ride. I just don't want any issues when I go to relocate a new fuel tank back here or when it comes time to mount the bumper.
BTW, that fugly trailer hitch is getting cut off with the plasma cutter this weekend.
http://www.geekopolis.com/53Ford/090602/rear-frame-2.jpg
- JT
What would be the best way to straighten out the frame rail in this area? I'm not too worried about it as I doubt it would affect the ride. I just don't want any issues when I go to relocate a new fuel tank back here or when it comes time to mount the bumper.
BTW, that fugly trailer hitch is getting cut off with the plasma cutter this weekend.
http://www.geekopolis.com/53Ford/090602/rear-frame-2.jpg
- JT
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 6,777
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From: Kalispell, MT
Frame repairs
JT, I think that crossmember collapsed from laughing at the "trailer hitch" - sorry, coulldn't resist.
I don't remember is you're building a driver or show truck - I'd adjust the method of repair on the xmember depending on desired outcome.
If a driver, I'd try to move it back with a sledge with application of a pipe wrench on the upper and lower rails. It doesn't look to be too far out of line for this method. A couple of come-a-longs attached to the frame rails close to the cab to pull the xmember back might also do it. Or a combination of the two.
If you're putting it back to spec have a bodyshop move it, 'cause the tails of your frame rails might be tweaked inward just a bit too.
I don't remember is you're building a driver or show truck - I'd adjust the method of repair on the xmember depending on desired outcome.
If a driver, I'd try to move it back with a sledge with application of a pipe wrench on the upper and lower rails. It doesn't look to be too far out of line for this method. A couple of come-a-longs attached to the frame rails close to the cab to pull the xmember back might also do it. Or a combination of the two.
If you're putting it back to spec have a bodyshop move it, 'cause the tails of your frame rails might be tweaked inward just a bit too.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2002
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Frame repairs
My truck is going to be a driver.
I could care less about the crossmember, I'm going to remove it completely and replace it.
My main concern is getting that passenger side frame rail straight again so I don't have bumper mounting issues.
- JT
I could care less about the crossmember, I'm going to remove it completely and replace it.
My main concern is getting that passenger side frame rail straight again so I don't have bumper mounting issues.
- JT
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,923
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
Frame repairs
Unc,
I agree with Tim... I'd try a comealong... or jack to bend it out.. if it's twisted, the pipewrench or large cresent wrench will bend it back (maybe with a cheater bar).. structurally it shouldn't matter... you could tack weld a flat bar to it... heat it and use the bar as a lever to pull it back, then grind the bar welds off..... I think I'd put a crossmember back in there after the tank install... just for a little more protection and support..
my $.02
john
I agree with Tim... I'd try a comealong... or jack to bend it out.. if it's twisted, the pipewrench or large cresent wrench will bend it back (maybe with a cheater bar).. structurally it shouldn't matter... you could tack weld a flat bar to it... heat it and use the bar as a lever to pull it back, then grind the bar welds off..... I think I'd put a crossmember back in there after the tank install... just for a little more protection and support..
my $.02
john
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,992
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From: Virginia
Frame repairs
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Nov-02 AT 01:59 PM (EST)]I agree with the come-along idea. You may need to hook a chain or something to one side of the bent area, and hook the other end to a tree or another heavy vehicle. Then pull with the come-along on the other side of the bend. You would be surprised what you can do with a little patience. It may not look like it, but I bet that crossmember could be saved with a little hammer work.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 470
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From: Mount Prospect, IL
Frame repairs
You could also use a 4X4 wood fence post, against a real solid object (like a tree) and back into it. (with the post on the bend of the crossmember and other end against the tree)
your frame rail may come back a bit anyways, as you straighten the crossmember.
Drew.
your frame rail may come back a bit anyways, as you straighten the crossmember.
Drew.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 470
Likes: 1
From: Mount Prospect, IL
Frame repairs
thats just another suggestion, personally I would favor the comealongs, or a sledge (probably more control over what you want done)
Drew
Drew
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Frame repairs
> I think I'd put a crossmember back in there after
> the tank install...
Yeah, the crossmember is definitely going back in. Was just making a point that I am not worried about the crossmember as I am the frame rail.
Thanks for the replies everyone. BTW, the cab comes off on Saturday so body work and painting can begin.
- JT
> the tank install...
Yeah, the crossmember is definitely going back in. Was just making a point that I am not worried about the crossmember as I am the frame rail.
Thanks for the replies everyone. BTW, the cab comes off on Saturday so body work and painting can begin.
- JT
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Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 175
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From: united state
Frame repairs
my back member was bent like yours.
but mine had a hole in it so i used a eye bolt and a comealong and a little sledge.
put the come alongs around your motor mount supports.
have someone slowely tighten the cable as you hit the middle of the member ( or your eye will come apart and break, almost broke 2 myself).
it will go back in place and it lookes alot better then before.
all you need is some patience with these old toys and they will award you in the end.
swanny
but mine had a hole in it so i used a eye bolt and a comealong and a little sledge.
put the come alongs around your motor mount supports.
have someone slowely tighten the cable as you hit the middle of the member ( or your eye will come apart and break, almost broke 2 myself).
it will go back in place and it lookes alot better then before.
all you need is some patience with these old toys and they will award you in the end.
swanny
