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» Northern California Ford Owners     » Automotive   » Tech Talk   » Replacing a frame rail

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Author Topic: Replacing a frame rail
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I have a notch with front end damage and I would very much like to get that addressed before I continue my project. How much would it cost to replace a frame rail? What about both? I have everything stripped clean from it.

Would it also be better to replace the whole rail or just to replace the damaged metal. I can provide pictures of the damage. I already cut out the chunks of metal of that were all twisted and sharp.

Thanks [patriot]

Posts: 286 | From: Oakland, CA | Registered: Aug 2013  |  :
rollininmy50
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A smart fix would be to take it and have the frame checked and or straightened back out. You can fix the sheet metal, if you half ass it it will only look ok on the outside, if that's what your looking for. But keep in mind your body lines may not line up perfect. If you can weld I would replace the core support if damaged, if it still has a clean title, at least bring it back to norm for resale. I would hate finding out my car was wrecked bad then duct taped back together . Get it looked at if your gunna love it, if not I used a measure tape and squared the engine bay on the four corners and used a chain and my explorer and bumped it back straight as I could. Good luck
Posts: 439 | From: sactown | Registered: Apr 2009  |  :
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Thanks for the response. It has already been pulled out and half assed repaired. The frame rail is just all twisted and not straight. Another straight core support was welded back onto the twisted frame rails. The pass side isn't as bad, just a small crack in the rail and relatively straight. The driver's side is all twisted with metal missing. I cut out the bad parts that weren't doing anything. I'll have to measure if the front was pulled out straight or not. It drove relatively straight when I bought it though.
Posts: 286 | From: Oakland, CA | Registered: Aug 2013  |  :
945.0
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So what's your goal here? You wanna repair or replace? Do you have pics?. I'm an autobody tech and can give you an idea of what your looking at?

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I Need My 5.0
94 GT Vert (Totaled) :(
97 Ford Ranger XLT

Posts: 20 | From: Sacramento | Registered: Jun 2012  |  :
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quote:
Originally posted by 945.0:
So what's your goal here? You wanna repair or replace? Do you have pics?. I'm an autobody tech and can give you an idea of what your looking at?

That I don't know, that's why I'm asking.


This was how it was "repaired" before. Caulk covered everything and sprayed black. Shady ass repair.

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Then this is the damage on the bottom of the frame rail. Buckled metal everywhere.

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and this is how it sits after I cut out the metal that wasn't doing anything and ground everything back to reveal the shitty repair.

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Let me know. Thanks.


[patriot]

Posts: 286 | From: Oakland, CA | Registered: Aug 2013  |  :
945.0
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Looks pretty bad haha, hope that wasn't done at a body shop. In my opinion I would definitely replace the complete rail in which you would definitely need an electronic measuring system to do it the correct way. As far as pricing depending on the shop your looking at imo $2000-3000 that's a pretty extensive repair with alot of cutting, welding, and measuring.

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I Need My 5.0
94 GT Vert (Totaled) :(
97 Ford Ranger XLT

Posts: 20 | From: Sacramento | Registered: Jun 2012  |  :
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Fuuuuu.

How much would it be to just patch up the hole? The k member mount holes are still straight I think. I'll have to measure for sure when I get the time.

Posts: 286 | From: Oakland, CA | Registered: Aug 2013  |  :
945.0
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Most places wont just do patch work like that without fixing the rail properly especially if they offer a warranty. You, might just wanna find someone to do sidework if you want a quick patch repair. Just my opinion. [patriot]

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I Need My 5.0
94 GT Vert (Totaled) :(
97 Ford Ranger XLT

Posts: 20 | From: Sacramento | Registered: Jun 2012  |  :
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quote:
Originally posted by 945.0:
Most places wont just do patch work like that without fixing the rail properly especially if they offer a warranty. You, might just wanna find someone to do sidework if you want a quick patch repair. Just my opinion. [patriot]

Alright thanks. I think maybe I'll end up doing that.

Anyone here can patch it for me? [patriot] [worship]

Posts: 286 | From: Oakland, CA | Registered: Aug 2013  |  :
5.0 LsX
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945.0 is correct, if you are looking to get it replaced and repaired correctly, you can get a quote from my work, Alameda Collision Repair, talk w an estimator and provide plenty of pics

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91' Notch

Posts: 1260 | Registered: May 2010  |  :
NEIGHT
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Personally I'd find me another project, that don't look good if they half assed that I wouldn't wanna know what else has been half assed.

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-Savage Habits-
1992 Summer Edition
1986 Hatch- catfish killer
1964 Impala hard top

Posts: 18548 | From: EA$T $IDE REDWOOD CITY | Registered: Nov 2008  |  :
Secnd2nun64
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It would be cheaper to buy another car and use yours as a donor. Unless your emotionally attached to that car, let the pony go out to pasture. [patriot]
Posts: 1460 | From: CA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  :
rollininmy50
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Ouch! Find a whole new used front end, from firewall forward, but I would suggest a professional body shop for install. You want that car not to fall apart at driving speeds, death is imminent . Or go find a cheep 4cyl notch at a tow yard or search neighborhoods for a replacement shell. 300 bucks for a good shell if you look for it. But as per yours , if you patch it be sure it's not gunna break and the k member fals out . Major stress point
Posts: 439 | From: sactown | Registered: Apr 2009  |  :
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Yeah, I'm already trying to look for a Coupe frame...

Hatchback frames are everywhere, but I need a coupe for this project.

The rear end of this car frame is pretty solid though, it has welded torque boxes and subframes. Good frame until previous owner put it into a wall or something. [BS flag]

Posts: 286 | From: Oakland, CA | Registered: Aug 2013  |  :
Secnd2nun64
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Looks like antelope ca picknpull has a complete coupe there. It's on row52.com
Posts: 1460 | From: CA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  :
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Pick N Pull sells the car frames with titles? [Confused]

Theres always a bunch of 4 banger coupes with straight bodies around here.

Posts: 286 | From: Oakland, CA | Registered: Aug 2013  |  :
Secnd2nun64
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Ya or just chop off what you need. I bought a whole front frame before for my old 5.0. Just be prepared for a lot of work. I still think your better off using that car for a donor.
Posts: 1460 | From: CA | Registered: Jun 2002  |  :


 
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