Sub-mess-of a frame!

[christcrusader13]

After doing some investigation of the 50 2 door sedan I picked up I have decided to fix the sub-frame job, it doesn't looks safe and also is very ugly and looks to be hurriedly done. [S

 

[christcrusader13]

The Proposed Fix

I am thinking that cutting the old frame form the new, make matching notches welding them back together and then fish plating on both sides?

What do you guys think?

 

[soltz]

Your Right

That's one ugly job and it looks like a single weld to hold it together [S.
Your plating both sides, yes?
Have fun [cl

 

[christcrusader13]

That's one ugly job and it looks like a single weld to hold it together [S.
Your plating both sides, yes?
Have fun [cl

Yes sir!!!! Plating is a must in my honest opinion and yes, the frame currently just has one weld

 

[Sam_Fear]

Yeah, that's ugly. Is that going to raise it 4"? How low is the body now? It looks real low.

 

[Torchie]

Yeah, that's ugly. Is that going to raise it 4"? How low is the body now? It looks real low.

Not that I am an expert on sub-framing but the ones that I have seen are usually done with a sort of a scarf joint(Wood working term), not stacked.
Same concern that Sam has as to what that will do to frame height/ride height/re-mounting of the front clip.
What ever you do will at least be safer that that setup weld wise.
Keep us posted.
Torchie.

 

[donsrods]

Don

 

[Old Iron]

It look pretty low to me too.
Raising it will probably give it a good ride height.

 

[christcrusader13]

How Low????

Sorry guys I should have posted a vehicle picture...

As of right now the frame is stacked, the original part of the frame sits about 1" from the ground with no load on the suspension, so the ride height will go up 4"

I plan on using drop spindles or lowering springs to properly and safety lower the car back down.

 

[Dirtyrat]

Need to verify the integrity of the steel that is even left in that area...
Once that is known as good material you can weld to, then I'd definitely plate it after the welding.

 

[Bamamav]

Are the frames the same size? If you can't insert one into the other, I'd cut both square to mate up, and slip a piece of tubing inside that fits snugly. Before I joined the two sections, I'd drill holes in both for some plug welds to the tubing inside. Then I'd weld the butt joint on all sides, grind it down smooth, and fish plate the inside and out side. That way, you'd have essentially a double frame at the joint, with the fish plate for added strength.
Even if you have to weld up four pieces of flat plate to make a piece of tubing to use inside you'll be stronger that way.

The way that is now, the original frame will dig into the first speed bump you try to cross. Better to lower it with drop spindles and springs then.

My way might sound like overkill, but I rather it be safe and strong and a little heavy as too weak and break going down the road at 70 MPH.................

 

[christcrusader13]

Are the frames the same size? If you can't insert one into the other, I'd cut both square to mate up, and slip a piece of tubing inside that fits snugly. Before I joined the two sections, I'd drill holes in both for some plug welds to the tubing inside. Then I'd weld the butt joint on all sides, grind it down smooth, and fish plate the inside and out side. That way, you'd have essentially a double frame at the joint, with the fish plate for added strength.
Even if you have to weld up four pieces of flat plate to make a piece of tubing to use inside you'll be stronger that way.

The way that is now, the original frame will dig into the first speed bump you try to cross. Better to lower it with drop spindles and springs then.

My way might sound like overkill, but I rather it be safe and strong and a little heavy as too weak and break going down the road at 70 MPH.................

I like you idea, I think I will go that way, I planned on fish plating, but didn't think about sleeping the inside of the frame.

thanks

 

[2.3Turbo_T]

I agree with Bamamav. Do it once, do it right! I needed to extend my frame so I cut off half of each piece then overlapped them. I drilled holes and rosette welded the inner plates. At that point I had about 5/16" of steel which allowed me to up the MIG voltage and make a really hot weld to join the 2 pieces together. I didn't feel a need to plate the outside as I have a 1500 lb roadster. Yours is probably 3 times that weight so it'd probably be a good idea to plate as much as possible.

 

[christcrusader13]

I agree with Bamamav. Do it once, do it right! I needed to extend my frame so I cut off half of each piece then overlapped them. I drilled holes and rosette welded the inner plates. At that point I had about 5/16" of steel which allowed me to up the MIG voltage and make a really hot weld to join the 2 pieces together. I didn't feel a need to plate the outside as I have a 1500 lb roadster. Yours is probably 3 times that weight so it'd probably be a good idea to plate as much as possible.

Thanks 2.3Turbo_T

I appreciate the photos, looks like I have the plan together so now just time to execute![

 

[Bamamav]

Good pics 2.3 Turbo T. They show exactly what I was describing. [[cl

 

[christcrusader13]

that's all I can say... tune in for more updates later

 

[Torchie]

that's all I can say... tune in for more updates later

Doesn't sound good. What did you find ???? [P

 

[billy]

the original weld looks like it would break if you stood on it!

 

[Sam_Fear]

Let me guess, they just shoved some rec tube into the front sub and barely welded it together? And the welds were cold?

 

[Bamamav]

Let me guess, they just shoved some rec tube into the front sub and barely welded it together? And the welds were cold?

I don't think they even did that, looks like they just set the front clip on top of the old frame and welded up the joint.