1967 front frame rail repair/replacement

[egraz21]

I have a 1967 Mustang coupe that is in need of some front frame rail work. It appears that the frame rails (inner and outer) are rusted back to a point under the shock towers and the rails themselves have been patched between the rear of the rail and the floor supports. I would like to fix the problems myself but don’t know exactly the best way to proceed.

Should I just replace the front of the rails with a partial rail or should I attempt to replace the whole rail? I would like to do the whole rail to get rid of the patch but, I don’t have any info. on the correct frame measurements; I’m afraid things won’t line up right if I have no reference to compare measurements with.

Also, whether I replace part or all of the rail is it best to keep the other sheetmetal (fender aprons, shock towers) in the car or remove them first?

Any info. would be appreciated and a step by step list would be really helpful

 

[bnickel]

if teh rails are in as bad shape as you say they are, you will need the full rail, i wouldn't trust a patch with it. also if you are that concerned about and uncertain about how to proceeed, i would take it to a professional frame shop and let them do it, as rusty as it sounds there is a good possibilty that the frame has moved from and is no longer "square" any more, a frame shop would be able to repair the rust damage correctly as well as get put the frame back in proper alignment. it's really your call but that is what i would do if it was my baby, i can do just about anything i'll ever need to do to my car, but there comes a point when even i will take it to a professional if the situation warrants, good luck with whatever you decide