Frame repair questions

[msmith]

Finally, after a couple of years I am able to get back to my 77 project. Got the body off, engine removed and most of the frame stripped. Getting ready to remove axles, springs, and shocks.

I started a little cleanup of the frame to see what I am getting into. It seems pretty solid, but I have a few questions.

Looking at the pictures, the frame is solid but a little pitted. The first pic is the worst. What is recommended to coat the frame? I see KBS and Eastwood products, or would a coat of epoxy primer and paint be best?

Should I replace the last 7 inches of frame on the rear or just do the lower frame horn and a frame saver washer for the body mount?

Any tips for the front? I am going to replace the core supports and probably the lower frame horn, but the upper frame horns look like someone has welded a support on the inside.

Thanks in advance,

Mike


Worst part

Rear

Front

 

[73azbronco]

Unless you are going to use it lightly or as a shop truck, I'd consider the pitting as severe, as in more than 50% of frame strength is gone.

Not even sure what those inboard triangle pieces at front of frame are used for, radiator?

Depending what you want to do, a new $4,000 frame might save you weeks of work and money. your only seeing outside, bet inside is far worse.

 

[PCB 4x4]

Your frame has more rust on than you think. I would sandblast for sure, then powder coat it.

 

[msmith]

Unless you are going to use it lightly or as a shop truck, I'd consider the pitting as severe, as in more than 50% of frame strength is gone.

Not even sure what those inboard triangle pieces at front of frame are used for, radiator?

Depending what you want to do, a new $4,000 frame might save you weeks of work and money. your only seeing outside, bet inside is far worse.

I’m not sure what the triangle pieces are either. Someone has welded on the front and rear of the frame.

A new frame sure would speed things up but the caveat is dealing with the VIN and title. My state is pretty easy to get along with in that regard. I personally don’t mind a reassigned VIN but it could be an issue if I ever sold it.

 

[ntsqd]

Am guessing that those triangular pieces are part of whatever bumper was cut off of the frame.

Getting it blasted down to bare metal is sound advice. Ask them to go as far down the inside as they can reach. Then you can really evaluate it.

 

[Broncobowsher]

Little rust, body mount completely missing. different locations define little rust differently.
Triangle pieces and cut welds on the bumper mounts tell me custom bumpers in the past, maybe winch?

Yes, that is a good amount of pitting. Is it as good as new? No. Is it unsafe? I don't think so. I don't know what the final product is planned to be? I don't see enough there to say the frame will snap in half. I have seen a LOT worse that was still worked hard. The good, the steel isn't swelling up with rust getting inside the steel. That is the death sentence. It will never be a $100k rig, but doesn't need the trash can either. It is that crusty middle ground. Not bad enough to condemn (off what I can see). but not clean enough to be a high end build either.

 

[catfan]

When I did mine I put the washer flush with a plate under it so I didn't grind all the weld away.

 

[ntsqd]

If you soak the washer in white vinegar for an hour or more then you won't have any plating trying to mess up the welds.

While you out buying the vinegar also buy your own tupperware-like container. Then it can soak and no one has to smell it and more importantly, you haven't stolen one of SWMBO's containers......