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05-30-2012, 10:54 AM
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#1 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Johnstown, PA
Posts: 43
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Frame a little thin.
Hey guys its been a while since I was on here. I am trying to build my dream truck here and cant catch a break. I bought an 83 one ton Chevy to use my 77 body on. Well The frame has a few thin spots in the back, only on the bottom lip of the frame. I'm wondering what you guys think I should do? I live in PA, so there is no such thing as a rust free truck. Ive looked a few and this one seems to be the best. I'm just a little concerned about welding a frame. considering is a 1 ton truck that I'm going to use. The frame is pitted a little, but Ill know more once I get it tore down and get it sandblasted. I was going to box it all in, but after some research it sounds like most people don't suggest doing that. Any thoughts or suggestions would be awesome. Thanks guys!
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 1977 GMC Camper Special
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05-30-2012, 02:10 PM
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#2 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Foristell, MO
Posts: 418
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Re: Frame a little thin.
How good can you weld? Plating and gusseting a frame done correctly(proper steel, solid welds) wouldn't scare me. Depending on where the rust is will determine how much engineering is required.
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05-30-2012, 02:14 PM
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Arrived on a Pale Horse
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SnagTown Indiana
Posts: 2,524
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Re: Frame a little thin.
Some pitting won't hurt a thing. It's the strength of the whole unit that makes it a frame. The individual pieces by themselves are not that strong to begin with. I agree with xrcr on the gusseting. Keep heat transfer to a minimum if possible. It'll be ok.
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Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW |
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05-30-2012, 02:34 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Johnstown, PA
Posts: 43
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Re: Frame a little thin.
I can weld, but I have a friend that welds military equipment at a weld shop here, and he would weld it for me. I just want to make sure this thing is tough. I'm not exactly easy on my trucks.
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1977 GMC Camper Special
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05-30-2012, 02:36 PM
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Arrived on a Pale Horse
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SnagTown Indiana
Posts: 2,524
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Re: Frame a little thin.
I'm not easy on them either. This CC truck I tore into had a lot of pitting/rust. Every inch of the frame I wire wheeled made me cringe on the thinner spots, but I think in the end it'll be alright. The POR-15 stiffened the whole thing up too.
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Jason 87 V30 350TBI/400 White w/Boss V-plow 89 R3500 CC SRW |
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05-30-2012, 02:42 PM
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#6 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2010
Location: laurel hill Fl
Posts: 645
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Re: Frame a little thin.
As long as you have good strong welds and proper plates It wouldn't affect the integrity at all. Providing you let it cool slowly rather than pour water on it.
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1985 C10 Custom Deluxe LWB 305/700r4 [ Goldfinger ]  1999 k3500 crew cab dually 6.5tdi/4l80e |
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05-30-2012, 03:06 PM
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#7 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Johnstown, PA
Posts: 43
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Re: Frame a little thin.
Thanks for the replys guys, I'm going to sand blast it and see what I have to work with. Just wanted some input for someone else. I'm just scared that its one of those things that is always going to be on my mind when I'm overloading this truck.
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1977 GMC Camper Special
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05-30-2012, 06:00 PM
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 111
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Re: Frame a little thin.
How thin is too thin, I'm only asking cuz mine has some really thin spots on it over the rear wheels. I still have to get the truck inspected and safety before I can put in the road. At what point would a mechanic say that the frame is unfit?
I'm sure this would vary in different parts of the country depending on what there road safety requirements are but whats the general consensus? Last edited by 84_chevy; 05-30-2012 at 06:00 PM. Reason: * |
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06-01-2012, 08:02 AM
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Johnstown, PA
Posts: 43
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Re: Frame a little thin.
So Im guessing you guys feel Boxing this frame in is a bad idea?
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1977 GMC Camper Special
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06-01-2012, 08:50 AM
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#10 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Johnstown, PA
Posts: 43
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Re: Frame a little thin.
Figured I'd give you guys pictures of the trucks I'm working with.
Heres my 77, Its the one that I'm restoring. [IMG]  By sodjos19 at 2012-06-01[/IMG]and here is the 83 I bought that "has a perfect frame" I guess his and my idea of perfect are far from each other [IMG]  By sodjos19 at 2012-06-01[/IMG]
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1977 GMC Camper Special
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06-01-2012, 08:50 AM
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#11 |
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Robert Olson Transport
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: recent transplant to NC USA
Posts: 20,316
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Re: Frame a little thin.
welding a frame is no big deal this is what i started with and we welded on plates after grinding and treating the rust and the truck is better than new now
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Bob 1951 International running on a squarebody chassis "If a man's worth is judged by the people he associates himself with, then i am the richest man in the world knowing some of the fine people of this board" http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...t.php?f=25&a=9 (you can review the site rules here!) PM Me for your vehicle/parts hauling needs in the North East US or see my Facebook page Robert Olson Transport Live each day to the fullest.. you never know when fate is going to pull the rug out from under you... I hate cancer!! |
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06-01-2012, 09:20 AM
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#12 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Johnstown, PA
Posts: 43
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Re: Frame a little thin.
I just was hoping to make it look real good since this is a frame off resto, and my dream truck. But Living In PA The chance of finding a perfect frame is about nonexistent.
Mine Is not that bad at all. Ill get some pictures, and let you guys take a look. Thanks a lot for the help!
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1977 GMC Camper Special
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