frame rust???

Author Topic: frame rust???  (Read 928 times)

Offline cudaaah

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frame rust???
« on: January 03, 2006 - 01:55:36 AM »
O.K. my project 71 cuda has a couple of spots of rust.  On both sides of front frame rail, right near K frame.  Dime size hole.  I've seen frame caps, or should I replace the frame.  I found a seller of frame parts.  I want to feel this problem is fixed.  there's another small spot on rear pass. side rail.  All other areas seem fine.  Does anyone have an opinion on the best way to deal w/ this? 

Thanks
Cudaaah




Offline 360 'CUDA

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Re: frame rust???
« Reply #1 on: January 03, 2006 - 10:23:17 AM »
I would just cut out a square around the rust and patch a nice piece of steel in there. I wouldn't use those frame caps unless I was desperate
« Last Edit: January 04, 2006 - 12:09:01 PM by 360cuda »

Offline cudaaah

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Re: frame rust???
« Reply #2 on: January 03, 2006 - 10:48:22 AM »
Thanks...I appreciate the advice.  I think because I don't have alot of experience w/ body and frame repair, yet, I've been stressing the process. 

Offline wart1de

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Re: frame rust???
« Reply #3 on: January 03, 2006 - 04:53:01 PM »
I'm in the process of adding the frame caps.. I must admit I wasn't overly pleased with the appearance of the caps I received - the welds look CR#P!  :stomp:

I'll have to try very carefully to clean them up without weakening them before they go on.

By using a trolley jack, somebody has flattened parts of the original rails which makes them wider at the bottom. So right now i'm working on beating the original rails into shape so the caps will fit on.
1973 Plymouth 'Cuda
1980 Ford Falcon XD ESP
2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Offline torredcuda

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Re: frame rust???
« Reply #4 on: January 03, 2006 - 06:16:34 PM »
I wouldn`t use the frame caps myself as I don`t like how they look.I would either patch them like 360 suggested or find clean used ones and piece in the sections you need.
Jeff
72 Barracuda 340/4spd  Torred
70 roadrunner 383/auto  In-Violet
70 Duster 360/auto drag car  (Petty Blue soon)
04 Ram 2500 5.7 Hemi

Offline wart1de

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Re: frame rust???
« Reply #5 on: January 03, 2006 - 07:12:55 PM »
If your 100% sure that the rest of the rail is fine then definately just patch that section.

I went for the caps because:

A) I'm in Australia and I can't check the papers to see whose wrecking an E Body  :grinno:
B) Whenever I'd patch one section, a crack would appear somewhere else!  :crying:
C) The caps, even with their ugly welds look better than my squashed, dented and rusted rails!  :eek4:
D) I plan to drive this car hard, so the re-inforcing will be a good thing.  :grinyes:

Unless your in a similar situation, avoid the caps. They're not a bad thing, just overkill if you don't need them. And lots of work.

I'll post some photos once I get them fitted.
1973 Plymouth 'Cuda
1980 Ford Falcon XD ESP
2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Offline cudaaah

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Re: frame rust???
« Reply #6 on: January 03, 2006 - 07:19:56 PM »
Thanks to all responses.  I plan on closely inspecting, along w/ my body shop, once it gets back from the media blaster.  Hopefully I can avoid the caps.

Cudaaah