Frame Repair

[Beaver Nuggets]

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to introduce myself and get some advice on the first big issue I am having with my project.

I bought a 1973 Bronco a few weeks ago. I bought it knowing it was a basket case and have found out that there are not many parts worth saving besides the frame and drivetrain. I have completely torn it down to the frame and am pretty happy with the condition of the frame. The motor mounts and suspension mounts seem solid and overall the frame seems pretty solid. I started cutting off some of the metal attachments that were added over the years and it seems like a makeshift winch bracket was the only thing keeping the frame together in the area of the steering box.

There is damage all the way through the section here right up to the front cross member (frame is upside down in last two pictures). I have searched for a replacement rail section but the only thing I am finding is something on ebay that would be too short. Do vendors sell repair parts for this area or would it all be custom fabrication?

I think the frame is worth saving but at what point do the repair costs warrant just buying a new frame? I still need to at a minimum media blast it, have a frame shop check if the frame is straight and have the front frame horns replaced. I have no idea what the steering box section is going to cost to repair.

Thanks in advance, Chris

 

[catfan]

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to introduce myself and get some advice on the first big issue I am having with my project.

I bought a 1973 Bronco a few weeks ago. I bought it knowing it was a basket case and have found out that there are not many parts worth saving besides the frame and drivetrain. I have completely torn it down to the frame and am pretty happy with the condition of the frame. The motor mounts and suspension mounts seem solid and overall the frame seems pretty solid. I started cutting off some of the metal attachments that were added over the years and it seems like a makeshift winch bracket was the only thing keeping the frame together in the area of the steering box.

There is damage all the way through the section here right up to the front cross member (frame is upside down in last two pictures). I have searched for a replacement rail section but the only thing I am finding is something on ebay that would be too short. Do vendors sell repair parts for this area or would it all be custom fabrication?

I think the frame is worth saving but at what point do the repair costs warrant just buying a new frame? I still need to at a minimum media blast it, have a frame shop check if the frame is straight and have the front frame horns replaced. I have no idea what the steering box section is going to cost to repair.

Thanks in advance, Chris

My part on Ebay is 13" doesn't the steering box bolt on in that 13"?

 

[chuddy]

My part on Ebay is 13" doesn't the steering box bolt on in that 13"?

Do you have repair pieces that go underneath the frame on either side of the gas tank where they always rust?

 

[Beaver Nuggets]

My part on Ebay is 13" doesn't the steering box bolt on in that 13"?

If you look at picture 3, the damage extents past 13" on the outer rail. I had seen your part on ebay but was thinking it was not long enough. Maybe it is using your part combined with an extension to repair the additional damage. Have you run into this issue with other customers?

 

[catfan]

Do you have repair pieces that go underneath the frame on either side of the gas tank where they always rust?

Yes I can make the bottom piece of the frame.

 

[catfan]

If you look at picture 3, the damage extents past 13" on the outer rail. I had seen your part on ebay but was thinking it was not long enough. Maybe it is using your part combined with an extension to repair the additional damage. Have you run into this issue with other customers?

I do mostly rears , pm me .

 

[73azbronco]

I think your frame is overcooked, sorry. You will be better served finding a donor frame with a title or not and start there.

you familiar with a retired swa guy near you?

 

[catfan]

I have a new frame piece bottom 17" with the contours.

 

[catfan]

Here are pics of it installed.

Early Bronco bottom Frame Repair 17" section 66-77 Ford 10 Gauge Steel New | eBay

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