1957 3100 Frame

[dawsonn57]

I am in the process of a frame off restoration on my truck.

The frame is clean with no rot or rust anywhere. The rearend leaf

spring assembly had to be removed to make way for the Hiedts four

link. When I pulled the forward mounts off (by drilling the rivets

out)I found huge holes on both sides (rust). This is also where the

third cross member mounts. It shares the same rivets as the spring

mount.

The hole is big enough to weaken the frame. A five inch section

of the frame needs to be cut out and replaced.

Has anyone done this? I am nervous about cutting my frame in half.

Any suggestions?









:'(

 

[smoov330]

Sorry to hear about your frame. Couldnt you start by welding a piece on the inside of the frame, then if you wanted more strength, box the inside for a couple of feet? Then you could cut the bad section out and replace it or just leave it there. ??? Ed

 

[dawsonn57]

I can do that, but what about the cross member. I planned on boxing

the whole frame anyway. I guess I could place a new cross member

(tubular) on the inside of the box.

Dawson

 

[dawsonn57]

Here is what my co worker came up with. The pink would be the new section of frame.(What I am nervous about)
Attachments:
https://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/41c71b4e0888d00a.jpghttps://talk.classicparts.com/images/attachments/41c71b880888ce66.jpg

 

[57v283]

hi,
you can find some interesting infos in "how to build tri-five chevy trucks"HP BOOKS series. There is a chapter on four-link rear suspension and some pics where they cut and reweld the frame to convert longbed to shortbed.If it's still available, the same well illustrated conversion in october 2003 issue of classic trucks mag could be useful.
F.J.

 

[dawsonn57]

Thanks F.J. I have that book. I will check it out.