Boxing a Frame
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Cargo Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 3,365
Likes: 12
From: NW Indiana
Boxing a Frame
So my puzzle is getting more interesting. I was grinding rivets to swap a couple of crossmembers and found even more rust. At first I was thinking I could lay some flat bar in the steering box area and wheelwell to make up for a lost layer of the bottom of my frame.
The overload brackets were full of gravel and while I was digging it out I found a rusted through spot by the rear shock tower.
Now I could add some metal to the trouble area without too much grief but got to thinking about boxing the frame in places,was not thinking about the complete frame but just adding some support.
I know I'm trying to turn a lump of coal into a dull diamond but at what point do I admit that I might need another frame.
Anyone ever try this.
Grin
The overload brackets were full of gravel and while I was digging it out I found a rusted through spot by the rear shock tower.
Now I could add some metal to the trouble area without too much grief but got to thinking about boxing the frame in places,was not thinking about the complete frame but just adding some support.
I know I'm trying to turn a lump of coal into a dull diamond but at what point do I admit that I might need another frame.
Anyone ever try this.
Grin
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 787
Likes: 0
From: Hattiesburg, MS
Well, you don't exactly wanna box a frame "in places". The old c-channel frames flex......alot. Boxed frames don't like to flex. So, if you only box a few sections....you are gonna have a HUGE stress point where to flexy c-channel meets the rigid box section.
You haven't said what kind of truck you have. But assuming you have a relatively common truck, it may be easier to just find another frame. But, if you wanna attempt to repair yours, you should probably cut out the rusted sections and weld in new metal....while still keeping the c-channel design.
You haven't said what kind of truck you have. But assuming you have a relatively common truck, it may be easier to just find another frame. But, if you wanna attempt to repair yours, you should probably cut out the rusted sections and weld in new metal....while still keeping the c-channel design.
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 778
Likes: 2
From: southeast Idaho
If you have the room you could always put sleeves inside the frame to strengthen them without causing much in the way of strees points claimed earlier, also you can box sections if done a certain may and not worry about stress points also. Just saying it is doable..
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