Frame Rail Repair

[dbdragracing]

I have a 1970 Mach 1 that I am preparing for a rotissorie restoration next winter. I have been looking the car over to determine all the parts I will need. The frame rails are solid with some light rust, but one part "seems" to have been worked on before. I am thinking about replacing this piece...how hard is it to replace frame rails? Are they bolted, welded, etc.? Thanks for any help. This is my first restoration!

 

[BarnStang]

Nearly all the unibody parts are spot welded. You will need a spot weld cutter or a lot of drill bits. THe frame rails are spot welded to the floor pans. You will need to drill holes for new plug welds every 2.5 to 3 inches. ANd you will need to butt weld the new frame rail to the old one. Unless you're doing a front frame rail (floor support), then you just replace the whole part. THe front ones will come off easily with an air chisle after the spot welds are cut.

What part are you going to replace? Can you post a picture of it?

 

[dbdragracing]

I was planning on replacing the front driver side...its the one thats had work done. But since the car is going to be on the rotissorie anyways and the frame rail parts are so cheap, I figured I would replace the rear too...they have rust on them too. Later.

 

[BarnStang]

The rear will be much harder to do than the front. You will have to decide how much rust is too much. If the rear is rusted, it will most likley be right above the leaf spring shackle. CHeck there first. If you can push a screwdriver through anywhere, that section should be replaced. I use a body hammer with the pick. THe pick will rebound slightly when tapped along the frame rails. It will not rebound on rust that penetrates through to the inside.