frame rail replacement

perch1967 · 10-04-2009, 09:39 PM

I have a 1967 convertible that has been restored from the front bumper to the back seat, The next work will be to replace the rear frame rails. I looking for what I can expect this to cost and is there any information on exactly how this is done. I'm thinking about trying to do some of the work myself with help from friends.

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socalwrench · 10-04-2009, 10:41 PM

Not to ruin your day, but the early Mustang (or any Mustang to date) is a unibody. The body and frame are one giant piece. Replacing the rear section will require major surgery.

Why does it need replacing? Rust? Collision?

Cost- expensive
Difficulty- high (must remove factory welds, brace the rest of the chassis, and then weld in replacements with some fabrication for fitment)

2+2GT · 10-05-2009, 07:16 AM

This is a very common repair. You'll need to be able to MIG weld. If only ther rear portion of the rail is shot, that section is available.

THUMPIN455 · 10-05-2009, 11:34 AM

Best advice is take it to a shop if you arent good at welding, dont have a large space to work in, and dont have anyone to lend advice in person.

If you want to tackle it yourself, you will need to make the car light by removing the engine, trans, and interior. If you dont the car will move around when you start cutting out the old stuff. You will need to weld it in the right place, if its too far left or right, it will mess with the alignment at the very least, if its too high or low, the car will never sit level nor drive right. If its not in there straight, nothing that bolts to it will be in the right position. It is not a cut and paste sort of thing, it is time consuming and requires measuring before the first cut all the way through to the last weld. If it isnt welded right it will move around on you, like it you try to lay down one continuous bead front to rear it will warp the metal and the other end will and up way out of alignment.

Not an easy task by any means, but it can be done and parts are available like 2+2 pointed out.

perch1967 · 10-11-2009, 08:41 PM

Thanks for the advise, i checked with two body shops that specialize in restoration of mustangs and the cost to replace the front end of the rear frame rail where the leaf spring attaches varried from $700 to $1,400 for both. Compete replacement of the entire rair was closed to $4,000.

JMD · 10-11-2009, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by perch1967

Thanks for the advise, i checked with two body shops that specialize in restoration of mustangs and the cost to replace the front end of the rear frame rail where the leaf spring attaches varried from $700 to $1,400 for both. Compete replacement of the entire rair was closed to $4,000.

Get it to Little Rock and I will do it for 3K....