Frame rail replacement

[R/T]

Chryco Psycho, how much labor is involved with replacing the frame rails and could it be done by someone with welding ability . What type of welding machine? Mig, Tig , wire fed or other? Would it be better to replace the cross members when the frame rails are replaced

[torredcuda]

Could use some more info-front or rear,complete rail or just splicing a section in?Mig or tig is the best way to weld it in and it`s not anymore difficult than replacing other sheet metal pieces.The main thing is to make sure the body shell is set up level and secure so it won`t settle or twist when you cut out the old rail and weld in the new one.Take lots of measuements and write them down with a diagram showing how they were measured for reference and check them once the new rail is tacked in place.

[R/T]

 Thanks torredcuda
The car I am thinking about buying needs the right rear frame rail. If I buy it I would replace the complete right rear and maybe the left also.

[Silver R/T]

nothing is easier than MIG welding, make sure to measure before welding

[Mt.St.BigBlock]

Hi 71r/t,
  I posted some pics of my project some of which are the frame rail replacement under E-Bod pics(yes,
should have been under this area Body Shop,ooops!) "Cuda Surgery, Fear The Rear" back on page 5
of that section. Torredcuda is mucho correct. Body should be level and lots of measurements. I made
two angle iron fixtures to go from one frame rail to the other before I cut anything out, then used them
to hold the new one the exact distance from the other side. Welding in the new one before the other
side was removed. I also made out of 2x2 wood a prop to go from the floor to the bottom of the frame
rails before they were removed. One for each side, incase my garage floor wasn't perfectly level or flat.
And also put a plumb bob mark on the floor under each frame rail with the string for the plumb bob going
thru the thread-sert hole in the rear-most part of the rail, "just in-case"!! Hope this helps and good luck! :thumbs: Jeff

[R/T]

 :worship: Thanks Mt. St. Big Block and Torredcuda, you have been a lot of help. This is the reason this board is # 1.