frame rust
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 766
Likes: 6
From: south Fl.
frame rust
OK guys I dont chime in much but I frequently read here and learn tremendous amounts of information. I have only been around since april or so of this year after purchasing a 55 f-100. its a great driver, typical GM front end conversion with a old's motor, 700r4 trans and cold cold A/C. 
I have had so much fun with this truck I cant stop driving it. Anyway I was called today about another 55 f-100 that a relative of a friend owns. It was offered to me if I am interested for the parts. As I remember the truck years ago, it was complete and driveable but is no longer. The Frame rail on the drivers side is rusted thru just in front of the spring hanger / around the front cross member. can a section of the frame rail be welded in from a doner frame in good condition ? if not why ? my current truck has a GM frame welded to the front of the stock f-100 frame. I am a hobbyist with alot of good skills and motivation that I think could fix this truck.
I have had so much fun with this truck I cant stop driving it. Anyway I was called today about another 55 f-100 that a relative of a friend owns. It was offered to me if I am interested for the parts. As I remember the truck years ago, it was complete and driveable but is no longer. The Frame rail on the drivers side is rusted thru just in front of the spring hanger / around the front cross member. can a section of the frame rail be welded in from a doner frame in good condition ? if not why ? my current truck has a GM frame welded to the front of the stock f-100 frame. I am a hobbyist with alot of good skills and motivation that I think could fix this truck.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
There are a number of frames available out here in SoCal that are in pristine condition and don't cost much. If you have a way of getting one back to the East coast it might be worth it to just swap out your rusty one for a clean one.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,489
Likes: 5
From: Valley Center, CA
If you have an arc welder, you could box the inside of the frame to secure it in place while you cut out the rot and then weld in new flat stock. As an extra support, you could weld and extra plate over the repair. If you don't have an arc welder, a local welding shop should be able to fix it for you for not too much $$ Good luck, Jag
If you don't have an arc welder, a local welding shop should be able to fix it for you for not too much $$ Good luck, Jag
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
I would be very surprised if the rust is isolated to the one area. A very thorough inspection of the entire truck for rust would be a good thing to do before you go any further. That amount of rust on a frame rail would be a red flag. Is it possible that the area is directly under the battery box? If so that could explain the rust through in that location and would make a repair worthwhile.
