Posted by Vaughn on Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 8:29PM :
In Reply to: Rusty Frame posted by Michael Fanoni on Sunday, December 03, 2006 at 7:20PM :
Disclaimer - I'm not a body/frame repair man. Have these procedures checked with a certified/authorized body repair shop!!
Manufactured originally, the frame rails were made using no heat. They were pressed and are made of high carbon steel. So repair using no heat as much as pratical or possible. Here are basic rules to follow:
1. If you have to take rivets out, grind to the frame, then use a punch and hammer. Never use a chisel as this may distort the hole and heat from a torch will weaken it.
2. If you have to cut a section of the frame out, use a grinder or other means. Do not use a torch!
3. Any metal in the frame that has to be replaced, you must use metal of equal thickness. Ideally, a section from a truck frame matching yours would be great.
4. Arc weld or mig/tig a new section in place. Reinforce the section with metal as thick as the rail. A channel reinforcement applied inside (prefered) or outside should be done. So the frame inside channel (inside reinforcement) and a channel reinforcement on the outside of the frame. Extend reinforcements several inches beyond the welds of the welded section on each end. Weld to the side of the outter/inner frame rails flanges and leave each reinforcement end open to absorb the stresses from welding
5. If you have to apply heat, heat only to a cherry red color. Using a piece of pine will cause the pine to glow and char, but not ignite. That is the test for the correct amount of heat. Any more and the metal will severly weaken.
6. Let all welds cool slowly, no drafts or anything else that will cause the metal to cool fast!!!!!
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