So I am planning on getting my car out of winter storage and facing an issue I noticed last year towards the end of the season.

On both front frame rails there was some corrosion to the point of having holes in the rail. Imagine if a large mouse chewed through one side of the box shaped rail but didn't go out in either direction. Obviously this will need to be addressed but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this area.

- one spot is on the passenger side in line with all the pulleys
- one is on the driver side further back in front of the door

1) Can they usually be treated and then patched or will I need both rails totally replaced?

2) I see the parts aren't expensive but an estimates on the labor on either scenario?

The pictures show the approx area....the one area was covered when I bought it...the other I didnt notice. I have 5k miles on the frame as is with no issues but this needs to be addressed.

 

can't tell by the picture on the one by the torque box - but the one in line with the pulley on passenger side should be able to be patched. I had a spot on my 66 similiar location on both sides and patched them. Not too big of a deal - may be a little trick with engine in the car (limited space) but should be doable. can you post a closer pic of the driver side.

 

There isn't too much load in front of the shock towers, so a patch may be OK. On the rear, though, there is a lot of stress. The problem with rust is that it is always a lot worse than you first think. Both could easily be shot and its just not visible. My friend had a 68 coupe that folded the frame right at the power steering bracket suddenly, and he had no idea he had rust on the inside.
A full repair is quite involved. $,$$$.

 

The one in the rear he is showing in the underneath rail tied to torque box. When those rust out your typically have some problem with the torque box rusting. How is your floor in that area? Should fix but not as bad if you had to fix frame rail infront of firewall. The other side is due to the front bumper backets have a piece that that ties into inner frame rail on engine side. Captures moisture and rust through.

 

A patch job is realtively straight forward. Cut out the rusted area, cut a new piece of metal to fit, usually from a new replacement piece, then weld into place. I bet if you have gapping holes in your rails, the rust you can't see will show its' ugly face once you start cutting and that will be worse than expected. Just the way it goes. You're better off taking care of the issues now rather than later if your up to it.

Replacing frame rails is a major job. Not easy and a lot of cutting. You may be able to replace sections, depending on how bad it is. Just be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

 

When I called CJ Pony at the end of last year I believe they said a replacement could be 24hr of labor x $75 = $1800.

Does that sound right or does that sound more like patching?

 

I would call them to clarify.