Need Opinions Please on Frame Rust

[Spike Strip]

Need opinions as to the frame rust in the rear. I don't really want to pull the frame from the body, but what do you all think? Would removing the C-channel and boxing the rear section of the frame, and Rust Bullet on the rest be a durable fix?

Rest of the frame seems ok.... But I worry 'cuz the truck is originally from Brooklyn and only made it CA 10 years ago. But looks like undercarriage was sprayed with rust proofing at one time and helped alot (and oil leaks didn't hurt either).

More pix below.

S.

 

[Spike Strip]

More pix of a similar flavor:

 

[cruiser88]

Looks pretty dam good. Get a harbor freight sand blaster. Lightly blast in the areas you shown then paint/brush whatever you choose to apply.

 

[cruiser88]

That crap you see inbetween the layers in the frame is mostly dirt and crap. It looks like big hunks of rust but its not really that bad.

 

[CardinalFJ60]

not so bad.

I agree...when I determined the the frame was toast on my first 60, I could literally stick most of my hand through a hole in the frame....in two places, one on each side!! YIKES!

 

[Downey]

Seems to me that it boils down to pride of ownership. What do you want the frame to look like the rest of the time you own the vehicle? If it's a keeper, I'm afraid I'd have to pull the body and blast the frame. If it's a patcher until you sell, don't do nothing?????

 

[Spike Strip]

All good suggestions...

Downey, this one's a keeper, so I think you're right about pulling the body and blasting the frame, but since I don't really care so much about looks, over function, my question mainly is will a patch and rust bullet be as good as body-off ??

I'm worried because I'm doing all the work myself and would have to find a way to lift the body, SAFELY, by myself, in my backyard...

Any suggestions for methods... ? I've read all the threads and all seem to take a team of guys to do it.

S.

 

[CRZA1]

I have the same rusted inner channels on my truck. I have one cut out and the other ready to be cut out. Honestly the frame is probably strong enogh without the channel. I think the purpose was really to give the rivets that hold the body mount and shackle hanger a bit more bearing so they don't rip through the single piece of steel. I am replacing the rivets with bolts welded on the head and some very thick washers to prevent the tearing I spoke of. Then I'll box the frame for strength. It won't look anything close to stock but I will be satisfied with the strength. The weakest point is where the channel ends and the frame boxing begins in terms of bending stress. I figure the body gives you alot of rigidity and the springs help also, but boxing it and addressing the weak point should be failsafe for the remaining life of the truck. I could have gotten away with leaving it alone, but I love using a torch and welder. Plus the whole rusted warped looking inner channels just bothered me.

 

[CRZA1]

Also, I am doing this all with the body on and from underneath the truck.

 

[Spike Strip]

Thanks, CRZA1, good info!

Think you can post a pic or two of what you've done ??

Alf

 

[takeitforgranite]

Just a side note, anyone ever heard anything about catastrophic frame failure back there?

Remember, these are Heavy-Duty trucks... I doubt a bit of rust will lead to a broken frame...

 

[kimohh]

Yep. Looks like surface only; don't even see much if any pitting.

Blast it, POR or paint it, and enjoy.

Jim

 

[Gappy]

I just bought a starter kit of POR 15 for this reason.....any long term reports on POR 15??

 

[Tofudebeest]

Yes, looks good. Surface s***. Where the frame isn't boxed, behind the rear leaf spring hanger, there are several layers which spread out and blossom with rust You'll need to grind that s*** out with a cut off wheel and MAYBE have someone weld in reinforcing plates. Not at all a big or expensive job. Maybe $200.

 

[mudpaws]

That's pretty much what I have on my '86. It was a one owner truck that was always garaged until 2004 when I bought it. I'm gonna try that HF sandblaster and then seal it up. I used to have a canary yellow '86 that basically had the same. I just left it alone, and then sold the truck since I had too many projects. I also had an '85 which was the worst, having a hole right through the frame next to the cat..And still the frame didn't make a peep; You wouldn't even know that rot was there. These trucks are tough! I'm sure the girl who bought it still drives it. The yellow truck drove even smoother than this one I have now.

 

[Joe_E]

I have that infamous channel rust, though a bit worse. It nagged me for months as I planned to start my rehab.
I finally said F it and started searching for a good frame, which I found.
The thought of putting all the time and money into her and still having the rot pushed me over the edge into frameoff vill.

 

[cstamm81]

Ya no big deal in my eyes. Either grind it down and paint it, or just clean it and do a yearly oiling treatment. Much rustier frames last a very long time IMO.

 

[Theycallmenica]

not that bad. blast it and coat it.

 

[Mikesta]

1 guy and an engine hoist can do a frame off. I've done it. Take the seats out, all doors off. hook the hoist inside to the seatbelt bolts and lift.

 

[79fj40moneypit]

That is not bad at all, bang on the frame with a hammer and loosen up the rust and clean it out and blast it ,it will clean right up. Your lucky My frame was rotted all the way up to the front doors.