Front frame rails

cobraboy · August 6, 2009 at 5:24 PM

My front frame rails are sound but are terribly beat up from years of careless jacking. Does anyone have any tips as to how to possibly straighten them out without resorting to major surgery.

Thanks

zray · August 6, 2009 at 5:39 PM

I'd like to hear an answer to this one too.

Z. Ray

jwc66k · August 6, 2009 at 6:47 PM

Just an idea - if the dented part of the rails are under the floor board, drill a 3/4 to 1 inch dia hole (or several) in the floor board over the dented part and drive the dents out. MIG/TIG/Wire weld a sheet metal disc over the hole. Just a thought.

Jim

65shelby_old · August 7, 2009 at 7:57 AM

My '65 has been on it's side on a chassis mounted tilter for over a year with this same dilemma. My rails are perfect structurally and still have the complete galvanized finish - just beat up from years of jacking. I was set up to use a stud welder, slide hammer and torch to pull them but wasn't sure of the end result. I'd have to grind off the galvanized coating as the studs I don't believe would adhere to well.

I think I'm going to drop it back down on all 4's and use a different approach. I'm pretty good with a hammer and dolly so try this approach on for size and let me know what you think.

I'm going to use a thin cut-off disc on my angle grinder and remove the floor section over the inside of the frame rails. It should be approx. a 3" x 14" cut on each footwell floor board. I'll probably stop short of the toe board lap joint. Remove the pieces and expose the inner side of the dented frame rails. You should be able to lay on your side by the rocker and reach both inner and outer rail surfaces with a hammer and dolly.

Upon completion, spray the inside of the rail and underside of the removed floor sections with a weld-thru primer. Tack back in place and then proceed to butt-weld complete and grind smooth.

Since there's an interest in this, I may seize the opportunity and do a how-to article with pics.

This may very well be the kick-in-the-pants incentive I need to complete that stage of my restoration.

Stay tuned.........

Mark

cobraboy · August 7, 2009 at 11:40 AM

Guys

I really do not want to cut the floors as they are original sheetmetal. My thoughts are,

1. cut some large holes in the base of the rail and insert a hooked rod attatched to a slide hammer and try to pull them down. The trouble is the sides of the rails have 'bellied' and I doubt this will come out. After weld up holes and grind flat.

2. Using a thin disc, cut out the bottom of the rail, insert a block into the cavity and dress the sides flat. Cut out a new bottom out of slightly thicker gauge material, replicate the holes and weld in place, dressing afterwards to loose the weld.

I think number 2 is favourite unless you guys with perfect bottoms know different.

But it is a lot work, is there an easier way?

zray · August 7, 2009 at 2:43 PM

I would rather cut a hole in the sheet metal than the frame rail. Your sheet metal may be originsl, but so is the frame rail, right ?

Z. Ray

cobraboy · August 7, 2009 at 2:48 PM

Right

Thats why I still have to decide. All these guys with arrow straight frame rails must have done something. Perhaps they replaced the whole frame rail?

So come on Ray what ya gonna do with yours?

zray · August 7, 2009 at 4:07 PM

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Right

Thats why I still have to decide. All these guys with arrow straight frame rails must have done something. Perhaps they replaced the whole frame rail?

So come on Ray what ya gonna do with yours?

My solution won't be much help. Along with the ratty paint, the dented, but rust free, frame rails will just have to "survive" as is.

How long will this car be a "survivor" is anybody's guess. Hopefully as long as I do.

Z. Ray

cobraboy · August 7, 2009 at 5:04 PM

Yeah that paint job of yours is a real disgrace <img src=images/icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>

Keep surviving and we'll come back to this one

Mark

zray · August 8, 2009 at 8:24 AM

let this be lesson, photos, especially seen at 640 x 480 pixels, can hide a multitude of flaws.

Z.

shelbyluva_old · November 7, 2009 at 5:15 PM

How many miles are on that survivor Zray? It seems like you use and enjoy it!

J_Speegle_old · November 7, 2009 at 7:01 PM

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.........

But it is a lot work, is there an easier way?

Know some that are opening up the rails from the top (interior of the car) and working them from that side. Seems allot easier to do and hide

zray · November 7, 2009 at 7:06 PM

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How many miles are on that survivor Zray? It seems like you use and enjoy it!

you are correct, I do put as many miles on the car as time will allow. I've owned it since 2001 & have put 33, 494 on it since then. The odometer reads 18,494. I don't know the actual miles for certain. Let's say that 233.494 is likely, & 333,494 is also a possibility. The longest trip I've taken was about 1,500 miles (round trip) to New Mexico.

anybody else driving their car long distance ?

Z. Ray

Mu5tanggt_old · November 7, 2009 at 8:36 PM

I do almost all my non work driving is with my Koupe. 117,894 miles on the original unrebuilt drivetrain that still purs like a kitten. She shows her age but white paint hides alot with a few feet of distance. I'm hoping to get close to 200,000 before a major rebuild is neccesary.

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zray · November 7, 2009 at 11:11 PM

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I do almost all my non work driving is with my Koupe. ............................."

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do you drive in rural/small town or in city traffic ? I do drive in the city occasionally, but am fearful of all the yea-hoo's driving next to me. Country roads have their hazards as well, but I'm inclined to believe they are the lessor of the two "evils".

Z. Ray

cobraboy · November 8, 2009 at 4:54 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>

.........

But it is a lot work, is there an easier way?

Know some that are opening up the rails from the top (interior of the car) and working them from that side. Seems allot easier to do and hide

Thanks Jeff

I am still undecided. As my car has full undercoating it will never be a car that I will put mirrors under to show off the bottom, but it would be nice to straighten those rails a bit.

I am going to pull the motor shortly and detail the engine bay and motor so will have another look under at that time.

Mu5tanggt_old · November 8, 2009 at 12:45 PM

ZRay, unfortunately mostly city here in Plano. I try to do some country cruising every once and awhile. Its scary sometimes, but I can't let it just sit in the garage. I've been spending most of the last year undoing the damage from it sitting undriven Dads garage for quite a few years. Lots of people ask me how can I drive it, I say how can't I drive it!

Front frame rails

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