Frame repair

[Challenger in NC]

I need to do two things shown in this photo:

1) Cut out the bottom portion of the frame where you see the two holes. At some point, the bottom of the frame got dented up and is real wavy, the sides of the frame are straight. The area is too confined and heavy to pound out or press back into shape. I bought some flat stock, cut it to length and drilled two identical holes. Since the car is on a rotisserie, and I plan to cut this long, narrow section out, is it too risky to do without welding in a brace to stiffen this portion of the frame temporarily? I'm wondering if the weight of the car will want to buckle the frame while I'm patching it. Thought about stitching in a small section of angle from trans x-member to the front portion of the frame. Is this overkill or is there a better way to repair the frame? Some might try to heat it and beat it, but I don't think it would look right. Suggestions?

2) I also need to replace the connecting plate between frame and rocker (one with hole in corner). Does anyone reproduce this piece or know where to get a non-dented original?

[74BlueFish]

I think it's OK to cut  out and patch without any temp reinforcements.  The frame still has 3 sides of the box section to keep it's strength.

[brads70]

is it thin from rust? or just dented?

[Challenger in NC]

is it thin from rust? or just dented?

Just dented

[brads70]

You can't hammer it back out from the other side?

[Challenger in NC]

You can't hammer it back out from the other side?

I could probably get some of it out, but I don't think I could make it look straight again to the point it doesn't looked damaged. You wouldn't notice unless it's on a lift, but its always bothered me.

[Challenger in NC]

I think it's OK to cut  out and patch without any temp reinforcements.  The frame still has 3 sides of the box section to keep it's strength.

If the floor was still welded to the top, it would have three sides, but if I remove the bottom section and since the floor pan is cut out, it's really two sides. Although the two sides are angles with a short leg. There are two concentric holes, one on each side of the frame section. I thought about putting a large bolt through it with a nut on each side to stiffen up the sides. I need to make this repair on the area shown in the photo plus two shorter sections in the rear frame.

[jimynick]

Just cut off the top floor section covering the rail and using a flat faced bar- think old chunk of a torsion bar and a BFH- knock the dents down and out. It's easy to do and using a good sized flat faced hammer with the bar, dolly out the dings until it's flat. Easy peasy. Welding a cover is WAY too much work comparatively. 

[Challenger in NC]

Just cut off the top floor section covering the rail and using a flat faced bar- think old chunk of a torsion bar and a BFH- knock the dents down and out. It's easy to do and using a good sized flat faced hammer with the bar, dolly out the dings until it's flat. Easy peasy. Welding a cover is WAY too much work comparatively. 

Guess I can give it a shot before resorting to the more drastic approach.

[brads70]

Just cut off the top floor section covering the rail and using a flat faced bar- think old chunk of a torsion bar and a BFH- knock the dents down and out. It's easy to do and using a good sized flat faced hammer with the bar, dolly out the dings until it's flat. Easy peasy. Welding a cover is WAY too much work comparatively. 

  looking at your picture I can see daylight thru the hole so I thought it was already exposed.

[JayBee]

Question 2), that connecting plate with the hole is a torque box. There's several suppliers on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-71-CHALLENGER-CUDA-AAR-R-T-T-A-FRONT-TORQUE-BOXES-/261574171099?hash=item3ce70919db&vxp=mtr
Lots of people shop with Dave at Roseville, he gives discounts and may even carry these.

[Challenger in NC]

Question 2), that connecting plate with the hole is a torque box. There's several suppliers on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-71-CHALLENGER-CUDA-AAR-R-T-T-A-FRONT-TORQUE-BOXES-/261574171099?hash=item3ce70919db&vxp=mtr
Lots of people shop with Dave at Roseville, he gives discounts and may even carry these.

Thanks.

[74BlueFish]

Oh yea,  I see now the floor removed and only 2 sides.    I still think its OK to cut out without anything shifting.   The rocker box will keep everything aligned.  But if you're still uncomfortable weld a temp plate to where the floor would attach or some kind of rod or plate between the two ends. Good luck.

[Challenger in NC]

Oh yea,  I see now the floor removed and only 2 sides.    I still think its OK to cut out without anything shifting.   The rocker box will keep everything aligned.  But if you're still uncomfortable weld a temp plate to where the floor would attach or some kind of rod or plate between the two ends. Good luck.

Thanks!

[brads70]

Looks like you need this too?
http://www.rosevillemoparts.com/product_info.php/front-frame-rail-/e-body/p/rocker-to-frame-lower-shield-right-set-e-body-70-74/cPath/347_134_272_450/products_id/6943