set something straight........

[noonzor]

so i got into an argument with a buddy (who was gonna help me weld my frame after shortening) about how to cut the frame for sectioning. after consulting this site i stenciled out the step notch design, as ive read its the strongest and easiest for re-aligning when welding back together.

HE says that cutting at a 45* angle and taking the 12" out would be a stronger better cut as thats how they do things at his work.

are we both stubborn and right, or ....?

[bedsled71]

either way you should plate it so it shouldnt matter

[FnLow69]

either way you'll be fine...just box that portion of the frame

[fixit-p]

I bet your buddy works on larger trucks, because thats how I do it at work. I measure down 1-1/2" verticle, measure back 10" and up 1-1/2" from the bottom and connect the two points on an 11" channel it's actually flater than 45*. I like the step cut on the smaller channel because it gives more weld surface and the horizontal weld is on the beams neutral axis the inside corners of the cut are always a high stress point so plate or box as already mentioned. You guys could always compromise and cut horizontal with 45* at each end (I've considered doing that on my 69) just my $.02.

[noonzor]

excellent, is either way easier to re-align when puttin em back together? or are they both pretty straight forward?

[fiddy9apache]

i did mine at a 45* but if i woulda had the room to i would have done a step cut. but no matter what plate both sides.