Ideas on fixing this frame

[C.I.Blazer]

Got my engine pulled over the weekend and found that the frame had been cut on both sides. The engine turned out to be a 400 but my understanding is that they are the same size as a 350 so I am not sure why this was done. I guess who knows what this thing had in it along the way.

Any ideas on what I should do now? Are these notches significantly weakening the frame? As you can see, the passenger side cut means that there are no top bolts attaching the engine cross member support. Only the two bolts on the bottom of the frame rail.

The more I tear into this thing the more I want to keep tearing into this thing but I am just not in the position to do that. Should I try and patch something in?

Thanks for the advice

[YoungPup1977]

If you do a search on Headers on a blazer in this forum, the first thing that is done is cutting on the frame. Most likely the previous owner of this vehicle is a member on this forum. I think their motto is "if ya cant see it from their couch it will work fine" They got the headers on the engine, that's how they did it. there are tools that should not be available to some. you have a real butchered up frame to say the least. what a shame.

[mongocanfly]

can be easily repaired with some flat bar welded under the frame lip..but if you do the LS swap like you mentioned in your other post you may have to do some frame trimming anyway,,but id fix that 1st

[C.I.Blazer]

Thanks! The whole truck is much more butchered than I thought. Ah well, live and learn.

Greg, just so I understand, just clean up the cutouts then scab in some flat stock underneath the top of the frame rail and weld it in place? Not actually try and fit a piece into the cutout itself? Since that is where the engine cross member mounts do you think that will be an issue?

Appreciate the help.

[mongocanfly]

yeah I didn't see the whole cut out on my tiny screen..zoomed in and can see now...id just fit a piece back in..not try to put it under the lip...still a pretty simple fix

[YoungPup1977]

once you fix the frame, please provide some pics of the fix. Love to see how it was done.

[kwmech]

The tensile strength of the frame is more than just plate A36 steel. I would find a steel supplier and see if they have something with a little more to it than just off the shelf

[C.I.Blazer]

Hmm, thanks for that. The only reference I could find is that the frame is made of 39,000 psi steel. Looks like A36 is around 36,000 so its close. I will talk to my local steel shop and see if they have something else that will work.

[1rippen6]

If not I have a frame I'll be scrapping I can cut some pieces off.

[C.I.Blazer]

Appreciate the offer. PM Sent.

[1rippen6]

Sorry it took so long 30 for each side plus shipping.

[C.I.Blazer]

Just to be clear, I do not need the whole frame section. Just the pieces of the top web right? PM your paypal address and a total and I will get payment off to you. Thanks!

[1rippen6]

Yep, I'll cut them with a grinder instead of a torque to keep their shape. Send me your zip and I'll get you a total shipped. It will be this weekend sometime.

[C.I.Blazer]

98282 Thanks!

[1rippen6]

Got them cut today but left them setting at the garage I'll get you a quote tomorrow and let you know.

[C.I.Blazer]

Wanted to post a follow up on getting the frame fixed. First time doing something like this and it was a fun learning experience. Had a friend come over and give me some welding lessons / help. Overall went pretty smoothly.

Thanks to 1rippen6 for the frame pieces!

[1rippen6]

Your welcome, looks awesome.