Frame Repair Advice (with pics)

[hobbadehoy]

Hi all,

FJ62 project has been sitting for about a year but planning to get back into things this summer. The frame is the first thing I want to tackle on the rebuild.

Overall it seems in really good condition. However, the back of the frame has a few spots of concern. (see pics below)

How would you approach this repair? Should I take it to a metal shop or could this be handled myself (I have access to welding equipment)? would replacing full sections of the frame make more sense (such as the rear cross bar?). I was planning to galvanize the frame after blasting and repairs.

Additionally, the body mounting points should probably be replaced but seem more straight forward?

Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[cruisermatt]

search "C-channel repair" on this forum. Been covered countless times. @TRAIL TAILOR makes repair sections

 

[hobbadehoy]

search "C-channel repair" on this forum. Been covered countless times. @TRAIL TAILOR makes repair sections

Thanks!

 

[cruiserpilot]

That looks ugly and it's bad. But being without a truck actually attached to it makes it a completely repairable
problem. I think @TRAIL TAILOR has what you need.

 

[hobbadehoy]

That looks ugly and it's bad. But being without a truck actually attached to it makes it a completely repairable
problem. I think @TRAIL TAILOR has what you need.

Yeah it's strange how bad the rear of the frame is versus the front 3/4. But it seems like that's kind of common? The rear cross member seems like it will be tricker to handle than the side c-channels

 

[cruiserpilot]

Yeah it's strange how bad the rear of the frame is versus the front 3/4. But it seems like that's kind of common? The rear cross member seems like it will be tricker to handle than the side c-channels

The rear frame captured everything. When these trucks were new the best part of owning them was driving around all the
big 3 pick ups in winter. Road salt be damned....unfortunately. Those side pieces I know TT has, they are just work.
TIP: I bought a 18" cold chisel and used an 8 lb short sledge to cut rivets on mine. Some are one and done. Some aren't!
Generally easier than a grinder. I have that inside rear cross member at home from my 60. I'd send it if it fit. But I'm
not home for over a month from now. Someone on MUD here might have a decent one from being removed for bumper.
That being said, now might be the time to look at bypassing the rear cross member and replacing with solid touring
bumper with tire carrier??

 

[Arlo89]

For the rear bumper backer piece just drill out the rivets and cut the tack welds off and replace the whole piece. I picked up the part from Zac in Colorado but have since sold my 62 and let the part go with it. Now I have a 60 and the rear backer is different

 

[hobbadehoy]

The rear frame captured everything. When these trucks were new the best part of owning them was driving around all the
big 3 pick ups in winter. Road salt be damned....unfortunately. Those side pieces I know TT has, they are just work.
TIP: I bought a 18" cold chisel and used an 8 lb short sledge to cut rivets on mine. Some are one and done. Some aren't!
Generally easier than a grinder. I have that inside rear cross member at home from my 60. I'd send it if it fit. But I'm
not home for over a month from now. Someone on MUD here might have a decent one from being removed for bumper.
That being said, now might be the time to look at bypassing the rear cross member and replacing with solid touring
bumper with tire carrier??

I would be interested in that cross member if you have it! I'm in NY so if shipping is going to be crazy then I'll figure something else out. The idea about replacing the cross member with a new bumper is intriguing

 

[hobbadehoy]

For the rear bumper backer piece just drill out the rivets and cut the tack welds off and replace the whole piece. I picked up the part from Zac in Colorado but have since sold my 62 and let the part go with it. Now I have a 60 and the rear backer is different

By whole piece you are referring to the straight cross member at the very back of the frame AND the bent portion that is connected to in on the inside?

 

[Arlo89]

This part

 

[hobbadehoy]

This part

View attachment 3634687

That what I thought! Thanks

 

[cruiserpilot]

I would be interested in that cross member if you have it! I'm in NY so if shipping is going to be crazy then I'll figure something else out. The idea about replacing the cross member with a new bumper is intriguing

I have a thread on here about my bumper which I built. Most remove the rear crossmembers as they are being replaced with structural
strength steel bumper and brackets. Mine is even a bit old fashioned as it were compared to how the newer styles are tying in
to the frame ends now. They can be built very strong but lighter weight than I did. I went with the 1/2" flat along the frame inside
the rail. It's too heavy. Do your research. Now that the frame is off it's an ideal time to look into it.