Lower front frame repair

GrimGreaser

What is the best way to tackle the repairs to the lower front frame corner? What's the best way to support the rest of the car to start cutting out the rot? This is what I am dealing with. Probably been dealt with to death on these forums, but just need a few pointers. Thanks guys!

GrimGreaser

Thanks Ken, the drive train is out. Figured I would start on other projects while I wait for my motor. I have plenty of Jack stands, just didn't want it to tweak when I cut out the cancer. So I'm pretty safe just supporting he wheels? I have some screwjacks, I'll probably support near where I'm cutting. Would it be best to work a section at a time? Fix the inner section, then the outer section? Or cut the whole section out and replace with a bent piece?

KTRON

I'd crib the entire chassis up if a lift is not available. Jackstands arent nearly as good as solid wood cribbing. I'd only use jackstands and thin wood shims around the area you need to repair. Once the frame is at a good height for you to work at, i'd only then start cutting. Half the battle at making a good weld is being comfortable doing it!   If it were my car, i'd cut out the inside of the frame back to good steel, and weld on a sistered up piece of plate steel to keep the frame from distorting under the weight of the car. Once cool, you could cut the outside of the frame back to good steel, and then replace the entire segment, weld it in place on the outside/bottom, cut the temporary brace out, and make full penetration welds all around. I would not make vertical welds up and down, a diagonal rhombus shape would be much better, as you have more surface area for the weld to bite.

Chris

Glowplug

KTRON
Go to my webpage http://hudsonrestoration1948-54.com/
On the left side of the page select - body repair... At the top of that page is an article on 54 Coupe repairs. This contains a repair of the same area you are attempting to repair.

KTRON

I wish I had a Hudson to work on!
I'll check it out for when I do have one

Chris

Glowplug

Sorry- my previous post should have addressed GrimGreaser...