Frame Repair Plate

[HowieE]

Brain

We just all assume that the frame rails were straight when the frame was assembled. However if you do remove the frame please sight down the lenght of the top and bottom of the frame. I am curious if the drivers side frame rail was bent inward just forward of the cross member during assembly and thus cause that deflection at the center of the crack.

Also was the lower flange of the frame ever welded to the lower flange of the cross member or just along the vertical seam. The picture doesn't seam to show any welding on the inside but it may have been welded along the bottom.

This is what I found on the receiver when I returned from Alaska. Not sure I can blame Alaska but that when I looked.

[CrzyCorpsman]

I certainly will, HowieE. If everything works out tomorrow, I should be pulling the frame out. Took me a little longer to get started today and have been having problems getting the elevator bolts out from the c channel. Finally sharpened my chisel and snapped the heads off. Duh....should have did that to begin with.

I've got my first brace almost built and it seems like it will be pretty strong. I'm using the same concept that's in the very first thread in the frame repair forum.

Anyhow, going to get some R and R after a full days work.

[dongubrud]

if this plate corrects a design fault in the frame, should not the factory give this part to anybody that needs it?

[53flyingcloud]

I think what you are gonna see is this.
It's a temporary fix and, just accept it as such..
The problem, as such, is not gonna go away..

[dongubrud]

of course your right. i have many welds and patches on my frame and it is still cracking. I'm thinking of buying a MIG welder and carry it with me when i travel. i always carry a 3000w gen so pwr will not be a problem. ever wonder why you never hear of pick-up truck frames cracking? you always assume the frame of a vehicle as being the strongest link.

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by DON GUBRUD

of course your right. i have many welds and patches on my frame and it is still cracking. I'm thinking of buying a MIG welder and carry it with me when i travel. i always carry a 3000w gen so pwr will not be a problem. ever wonder why you never hear of pick-up truck frames cracking? you always assume the frame of a vehicle as being the strongest link.

In a word Don,
It's known as "cost cutting"..
You know where, each penny counts.

[dongubrud]

yes indeed, each penny counts. i wish i has all the pennies i put into this frame repair. if i put all of the pennies [100,000] in the trailer i doubt if the frame could hold it up. yes, i have spent over $1,000 in welding cost ....so far.

[53flyingcloud]

That's not even close to being fun...