Frame rail pics

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Sparky

Sparky

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I'm sure I know the answer already but here goes, would you replace the frame rail or could this be cleaned up and capped? Capping would be the easiest(for me) as I have never taken a front end off before nor am I able to do the welding myself and I am somewhat overwhelmed with the whole idea.I do have a shop manual and do have buds who can help but I have to admit it frightens me.:angry7: Does anybody in Canada have a driver side front frame rail???? I know there are a couple available from USA members but I think the shipping up to Washington State would kill me.
PS. don't be afraid to tell me to grow some cajoles and git after it, I need motivation....
This is on the 70 Swinger.

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This needs to be replaced. It looks like it also has a slight bend to it as it doglegs down toward the torsion bar crossmember. Is this after you've been poking at the frame with a screwdriver? If its not, there may not be much of anything left to weld a cap to.

Taking the front end off isn't too terribly difficult. Once the torsion bars are out you can just unbolt the upper control arms, shocks, wires, steering column, and the K-frame bolts and it will drop right out. A competent frame repair shop should be able to easily replace that front frame rail.
 
goldduster318 said:
This needs to be replaced. It looks like it also has a slight bend to it as it doglegs down toward the torsion bar crossmember. Is this after you've been poking at the frame with a screwdriver? If its not, there may not be much of anything left to weld a cap to.

Taking the front end off isn't too terribly difficult. Once the torsion bars are out you can just unbolt the upper control arms, shocks, wires, steering column, and the K-frame bolts and it will drop right out. A competent frame repair shop should be able to easily replace that front frame rail.
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Yup, I have done some poking on it. I has been bottomed out somewhere along the way as one section is flattened a bit.
 
It's not as bad as you may think to get a rail to the border.

Greyhound is very reasonable. I bet I could get one shipped to the border for right at of maybe under $150 total, including the cost of the rail.
 
buy the cap from year one,,,the monkey they used to weld them together got shot last week so you will need to take it apart and re weld it anyway. just take a little off the bottom width before it goes back together and its now a replacement part, plus ya gotta cap the top,,,lmao,,,childs play,,its whut i had to do,btw im in okotoks south of calgary,,not many donor frames up here
 
Jims71duster said:
buy the cap from year one,,,the monkey they used to weld them together got shot last week so you will need to take it apart and re weld it anyway. just take a little off the bottom width before it goes back together and its now a replacement part, plus ya gotta cap the top,,,lmao,,,childs play,,its whut i had to do,btw im in okotoks south of calgary,,not many donor frames up here
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For the cost of a cap, and how they are put together... I wouldn't hit a burgular with one.

I have one that came with my GTX and I use it for a doorstop. JUNK for what they cost, IMHO.

You better cut EVERY bit of rust out too, otherwise it will be back. Seen a few with caps that are not doing well...
 
crackedback said:
For the cost of a cap, and how they are put together... I wouldn't hit a burgular with one.

I have one that came with my GTX and I use it for a doorstop. JUNK for what they cost, IMHO.

You better cut EVERY bit of rust out too, otherwise it will be back. Seen a few with caps that are not doing well...
Click to expand...


i wasnt saying cap it, I was saying alter the cap a bit and use it as a complete replacement frame, after its taken apart a rewelded.
 
Why spend $250 plus shipping on a cap only to modify it, instead of spending $150(ish) shipped for an original factory piece with the correct flanges and bends?
 
I,d replace all the bad spots,you are keeping the car?Yes,it,ll give you piece of mind and also some experience doing the job yourself.I say go for it!You could cap some of the ..not so bad spots,but the rails should be replaced.My 2 cents.
 
Call me crazy, I'd still rather have an original rail and section out the pieces I may need than take a 250+ cap and have to re-engineer it.

At least with a complete factory rail, you have something that can be installed without any alterations.

There is more than one suggestion on how to fix the rusty rail. People can choose the approach they wish to follow.
 
i concur. the best repair is replacement. it is a much better ans stronger fix.caps dont supply the required strength that this area needs.there is a lot of load on the rail in this area.you will be happier with the car and it wont be cobbled together.good luck man. this is the kind of repair that makes you more rounded, cause once you do this. the next one wont even be an issue.you'll just fix it.
 
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