Cross Member Fab

[Over59]

So I went down to the local metal fab place today with a piece of the frame cross member from the 59 Overlander. The 4" channel. I'm having 6 new 54" pieces made for $130 from 12 guage steal sheet. Could have gotten 6 pieces of a stock channel for $90 but the flanges would have been narrower. Seemed like a good deal to me. I "need" 3 and two outriggers, but the extra two I may use for additional outriggers or support between the main frame rails. If I have one left over I'll but it up for grabs.
Now I can call the welder and the frame will be done next week. I'm also adding a plate to the last member to attach the shell to like in the front unless someone knows of a reason not to do this. Seems an obvious structural addition.

[Tinsel Loaf]

You can buy 4" channel why are you having it made form steel sheet. Flanges could be added to the channel if needed. You have any pictures?

[Ken J]

My plan is to put a aluminum "strap" under the bolts in the rear - I would not think there is any problem adding a plate - the only thing I can think of is you will see more rivets in the rear and the fact that steel is pretty heavy - I'm trying to bolt down my "rear" as best I can and also trying to take out as much weight as I can in my rear - a physics thing.

Ken

[Over59]

For me it works. No screwing around to make something else work and paying for more welding time. the steel was $90 for a 5 by 4 piece. Fact is the value is there for me at this price. The shop is half mile away and I'll have it Wednesday and not shipping cost. Just go pick it up.

I'm not to concerned about the weight of the plate since I'm removing the share tire rack from the bumper. That has to be a net wieght reduction. The extra rivets will make the pro's think for a second.

[Over59]

Originally Posted by Ken J

My plan is to put a aluminum "strap" under the bolts in the rear - I would not think there is any problem adding a plate - the only thing I can think of is you will see more rivets in the rear and the fact that steel is pretty heavy - I'm trying to bolt down my "rear" as best I can and also trying to take out as much weight as I can in my rear - a physics thing.

Ken

Try Atkins, worked for me.

[Ken J]

Hmmm - does Atkins work on Aluminum and steel too?

Ken