pwrl3ss

Hi all,

I had a few questions about the frame rails in terms of fixing them or patching them.First off, what isa ballpark figurewhen you get them replaced or patched? I'm assuming if the front ones need to be replaced, the motor needs to be pulled? Same goes for the rear except the suspense needs to come off?If theframes are patched,does that lower the strength of the frame?

Thanks

USMCrebel

ok your not gonna like what i have to say, but there are things that can be done, i need to see the car (pics)
1)you will need to strip the interior out, as well as the motor get as much surface rust off of the frame as possible, you can patch it, but it weaken the frame around the area you replaced. you will need to cut the section out that needs to be replaced, and TIG weld a replacment back into place. keep in mind that the section you just replaced is now stronger than the areas around the fixed area, if there is that much frame rust its gonna be just a scrapper...as much as i hate to say that. suspension will need to come off as well.

jlg2002

I elected to replace the rear quarter clip on my 66 because the rear rail is bent and because there are a zillion spotwelds to drill out to get the old one off. You can buy rails and you must thoroughly stabilize the car, disassemble to the extennt necessary to get to the parts (usually requires the removal of some big component)before you cut the old ones out. BTW, MIG wleding is the preferred method of installing new body panels not TIG aspreviously suggested.

USMCrebel

i was talking about the frame welds not the body panels, you could MIG weld those , but dont expect them to last long. and a TIG welder can do the body panels much better to it just requires a higher level of skill, you can grind the sticks down to a fine point a bam there it is a beautiful clean weld just like a MIG.

jlg2002

TIG is overkill! Pwrl3ss, see the Mustang monthly articles (june and july 06 for statrers) for guidance on this subject. And welcome to the forum.

USMCrebel

there is no such thing , even though for a low level- medium level skill this shouldnt be done, due to the fact you could cut through the body panels, but with frame work i would go TIG.