Question about frame rust/fix

[dsagona]

I was reinstalling the fuel tank the other night and noticed some bad rust on the rear frame crossmember. (I’m not sure how I hadn’t noticed this before because I spent countless hours under there, but anyway…) It looks like the PO already did a fix to address the rust on the frame, but I wanted to get your opinions on if it’s actually a fix for the rusted frame or if it’s just for the tow hitch, and if it is a fix, if it’s sufficient. The car is from Oregon so I was a bit surprised to see serious rust under there. I know I need to do something about the C channels too.

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

I don't see anything but well-established surface rust., and the usual swelling of the C-section in the rear of the frame. Also, the lower part of the frame with 90 degree corners is a home-made job, more likey IMO to be for a tow-ball than to make up for a rusty frame, though we can't see what the frame looks like above it. More detailed pictures are needed to really look at any problematic rust areas.

 

[dsagona]

I don't see anything but well-established surface rust., and the usual swelling of the C-section in the rear of the frame. Also, the lower part of the frame with 90 degree corners is a home-made job, more likey IMO to be for a tow-ball than to make up for a rusty frame, though we can't see what the frame looks like above it. More detailed pictures are needed to really look at any problematic rust areas.

Here are a couple photos of the rust. I was hoping that lower part of the frame with the 90 degree corners were built to address this.

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

Ah right, yes that's really gone. Looks like the lower frame that's been added is to provide rigidity. It probably works, unless the corners are rotting out.

If you're handy with a welder it might be a good project to get rid of that lower frame and repair the original frame... but I guess since you're asking this is not the case. If you're doing a restoration on an old car, learning to MIG weld is a small investment compared to paying per-hour labour costs for someone else to do it. It's easy enough to learn and, access notwithstanding, the thick gauge metal of the frame, in an area which is not really visible, is the perfect place to learn before you take on thin metal repair.

 

[dsagona]

I’ve always been intimidated by welding/trying to fix frames, but I might have to get over that. Thanks for the help.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Cut it out and weld new material in there, not much else you can do.