Someone who has replaced a rear rail on 66

tripleduece25

New Member
Nov 9, 2004
4
0
0
I have a 66 Conv. that I'm replacing the left rear frame rail on. The problem is the replacement isn't a perfect match, I have about a 3/4" gap where the rail meets the crossmember (the one in front of the fuel tank). I could weld at the front and rear and try to bend this over(which I'm not sure I can do) or I could just weld in a piece of metal to fill in. Since this will be a daily driver and not for show, what is the best procedure? I don't want to run into other problems as far as things being out of alignment. :bang:
 
Is there any way you can post some good pictures? Sounds like a lot of gap. You must already have the old one out. ANd you have the new one all the way back against the rear sheet metal brace at the back. Normally there should be a "best fit" position. If you slide it forward 3/4" does the fit to the trunk pan get worse? If not, maybe you could split the difference or, weld an extension on the back so it reaches the rear brace-assuming the fit is ok with it slid forward to meet the connection point.
I had a car in a month ago that had both rear frame rails replaced, but only short rear sections and they put them in too short. THey ripped the old ones out of the rear brace then just left the torn holes. Make sure you find a way to attach them.
 
BarnStang said:
Is there any way you can post some good pictures? Sounds like a lot of gap. You must already have the old one out. ANd you have the new one all the way back against the rear sheet metal brace at the back. Normally there should be a "best fit" position. If you slide it forward 3/4" does the fit to the trunk pan get worse? If not, maybe you could split the difference or, weld an extension on the back so it reaches the rear brace-assuming the fit is ok with it slid forward to meet the connection point.
I had a car in a month ago that had both rear frame rails replaced, but only short rear sections and they put them in too short. THey ripped the old ones out of the rear brace then just left the torn holes. Make sure you find a way to attach them.
I'm new at posting these threads, The 3/4 gap is not in the length, it's in the
curvature of the rail. The rail has a gap between it and the crossmember that the shocks mount to. I'll try to send pic. Thanks for your reply, Mike in Indiana
 
Oh. I see. Are you trying to place the new rail exactly where the old one went? Cause it does not have to be EXACTLY on the same lines. Yea, almost really need a picture of it. I'll PM my email address-send me a picture of what your seeing.