Re: Frame rail repair?
[Re: MoJoe]
#2452109
02/15/18 01:45 PM
02/15/18 01:45 PM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,582 Rust Belt, SW PA
Silver70
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,582
Rust Belt, SW PA
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I find it easiest to find a section of rail and cut out what you need... then you can go to the factory spot welds and so on. Plan on replacing further than what you may think. Also not an area you want to leave weak by not replacing enough.
68 Road Runner, 69 Belvedere, 71 Challenger Vert 340 barracuda, 01 Ram CTD, 95 Ram, 04 Ram, 85 Daytona turbo Z 66 GTO, 06 Magnum RT AWD. 07 Ram CTD, 07 Ram
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Re: Frame rail repair?
[Re: MoJoe]
#2452488
02/16/18 12:23 PM
02/16/18 12:23 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 313 nj
MoJoe
OP
enthusiast
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OP
enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 313
nj
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This is not a concourse or numbers matching car so "form follows function" as they say but I do want it to blend in. As I said I have used structural studs for years and they are good alternative to frame repair as they are already bent. I could probably use them in a case like this but the area that is being repaired is from the from the middle of the K member, including one mounting point and fades forward into the front bumper mount, the extra won't hurt so I'm going to follow Genes advice and stick with the 11ga metal.
Last edited by MoJoe; 02/16/18 12:26 PM.
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Re: Frame rail repair?
[Re: MoJoe]
#2452625
02/16/18 04:45 PM
02/16/18 04:45 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,139 East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
RoadRunner
master
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master
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,139
East Aurora (Buffalo) NY
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I have measured various body panels when making patches. Frames seem to be in the 18 gauge range. Body panels seem to be closer to 20 gauge. The problem getting good thickness measurements is that as the panels or members are formed, the metal will stretch and shrink into various areas. So there will be some variations. But this is what I get when measuring with my micrometers.
68 Road Runner (383/4speed, post car w/decor pkg) - Major Project 69 Road Runner w/472 Hemi & 4 speed. 70 Challenger R/T SE EF8 w/ V9J, U - A32 - Major Project 2023 Ford Mach 1
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Re: Frame rail repair?
[Re: DaytonaTurbo]
#2452740
02/16/18 07:44 PM
02/16/18 07:44 PM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,631 Freeport IL USA
poorboy
I Live Here
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I Live Here
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Posts: 10,631
Freeport IL USA
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I thought body panels were 18 and frame rails were 16? If you use 16 gauge for your repairs, you will meet or exceed OEM thickness. 1/8 would be way overkill. Only time I ever use 1/8 would be patching truck frames. You can use 16 gauge if you wish, but what are you going to do when you reach a point where there was a reinforcing piece inside? The 16 gauge isn't as strong as 2 layers of 18 gauge. Also, the original factory frame relied on the frame flanges and a good floor pan to reach its strength level, how is your 50+ year old floor pan doing, is it just a little weak? 16 gauge is pretty tough to work with (14 gauge is worse), its too thick to cut with hand held tin snips, and its pretty difficult to hand form. You have to buy 16 gauge in sheets, so everything has to be cut to size. 11 gauge can be bought in specific widths, as well as in box and round forms. 11 gauge is actually easier to work with. Often 2" x 3" 11 gauge tube slips inside the original frame rails. Its a lot easier to get a good weld on 11 gauge then it is to get a good weld on 16 gauge for most non-pro welders. I can drill a hole in the bottom, and cut an access hole in the side of a 2" x 3" 11 gauge tube to install a nut to bolt up a K member and not be concerned about causing a weak point. You can't do that with 18 gauge, or 16 gauge, or even with 14 gauge. Build your frame repair pieces with whatever you choose, I'll do the ones I do with 11 gauge. Gene
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Re: Frame rail repair?
[Re: MoJoe]
#2452865
02/17/18 12:21 AM
02/17/18 12:21 AM
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,582 Rust Belt, SW PA
Silver70
I Live Here
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I Live Here
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 18,582
Rust Belt, SW PA
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That is what I'm talking about Stanton. Silver 70...hard to find a piece of that rail so I'm going to use some 11ga metal which is actually 1/8". I can pick it up at the new Tractor Supply that just opened nearby...I love that place. Thanks guys What model car is it?
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