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Topic: Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15 (Read 11788 times) previous topic - next topic

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Ok Guys.  I got the motor pulled, and this is what I found.





And the outside looking in at the strut tower:


I was kinda thinking about getting some 2"x3" 14ga steel and just replace the whole frame rail.  It doesn't look to hard, but the thing is, I don't have access to a welder.  I might just have to go and get  a cheaper one:evilgrin:

The rear of the car, is fine, just some light surface rust, which I am planning to use Rust Bullet on.

Just want some opinions, and what to do.

I could always just leave it the way it is, and start looking for a rust free donor.

P.S. I'm just planning on putting a lower mileage 86' Motor & AOD in place.

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #1 –
looks fuct to me!
1979 Ford Fairmont
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5.0L/4R70W/8.8"/5-lug/3" Exhuast

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #2 –
Yup, that's structural. Get in there with a wire wheel and get it all clean so you can see just how bad it is. You could always "clip" the car, but it would be much easier/cheaper to find a rust-free car and go from there.

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #3 –
You can fix that no problem. But, yeah, you will need a welder, and some time and patience. I guarantee that inside your frame is alot more rust, more than likely it will all have to be replaced. Here are some pics of mine, it was the same way dude. When I cut open the frame, it was a wall of rust. Pretty bad. Don't be discouraged though, it can be fixed. That rust bullet stuff really sprays on nice too. I used it after I was done fixing my car too. Good luck!
Brian

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #4 –
Here is a finished pic......After I replaced the metal, I sprayed Rust Bullet on the whole front end, then primered, then the painted. Looks pretty good now.
Brian

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #5 –
Yea, I took a wire wheel to it, and the places right under the shock towers are gone on the interior of the pass. side, and I've not been able to get the the DS since the brake MC is in the way.  I'm just thinking about getting tubular steel, and just cutting the whole rail out, and replacing it.

How hard is that going to be?

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #6 –
If nothing else, I'll just drop the motor in, and just drive it AS-IS, till I can find another Cat or Bird to play with.

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Sduneman3;179298
Yea, I took a wire wheel to it, and the places right under the shock towers are gone on the interior of the pass. side, and I've not been able to get the the DS since the brake MC is in the way.  I'm just thinking about getting tubular steel, and just cutting the whole rail out, and replacing it.

How hard is that going to be?


Depends on if you have the right tools. I doubt it would be that hard but I was trying to get mine done in time for the summer. I used 14 and 16 ga steel. No prob.
Brian

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #8 –
Quote from: atariman;179314
Depends on if you have the right tools. I doubt it would be that hard but I was trying to get mine done in time for the summer. I used 14 and 16 ga steel. No prob.
Brian


Yea, I want to use 14 ga steel.  But, I need to get it done within a couple of weeks.

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #9 –
Then I wouldn't do the tubular. That job that you see in the pics took a couple of days at most. It took longer to sand it and paint it after. Even if you used that Rust Bullet, you should still clean the majority of the rust off, if you don't I wouldn't expect any miracles. Post some pics up when you get that fixed!

Also keep in mind that I had the "k" member off too. It made it much easier.
brian

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #10 –
Quote from: atariman;179317
Then I wouldn't do the tubular. That job that you see in the pics took a couple of days at most. It took longer to sand it and paint it after. Even if you used that Rust Bullet, you should still clean the majority of the rust off, if you don't I wouldn't expect any miracles. Post some pics up when you get that fixed!


Yea, I just used a wire wheel on most of it already.  Hopefully I can get a welder.  How many amps do you need for 14 ga?

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #11 –
You would have to adjust as you go along, but my welder is only a 125a cheapo that I got online somewhere. Sears I think, I only got it because it can be converted to use gas and it is 110v. I don't have 220 in my little 2 car garage so it worked perfectly.
Just watch when you weld that 14ga to the thinner 16ga stuff. It will burn through real easy specially if the area was rusty and is now thinner than it is supposed to be.

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #12 –
Quote from: atariman;179320
You would have to adjust as you go along, but my welder is only a 125a cheapo that I got online somewhere. Sears I think, I only got it because it can be converted to use gas and it is 110v. I don't have 220 in my little 2 car garage so it worked perfectly.
Just watch when you weld that 14ga to the thinner 16ga stuff. It will burn through real easy specially if the area was rusty and is now thinner than it is supposed to be.


Sounds good.  I'm thinking about just getting a el cheapo 115amp.  But, thanks for the information.

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #13 –
That's the first place I check when buying a fox.

Work in Progress - DIY Frame Rail Replacement - 56k Hell - Updated 11/15

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Sduneman3;179324
Sounds good.  I'm thinking about just getting a el cheapo 115amp.  But, thanks for the information.


No problem. Need anything else, just ask.
Brian