Frame rail cutouts

Edwardjohnsr

I have noticed in several pictures of the stepdown frame that there is a rectangular cutout in front of and behind each vertical post. Does anyone know why these are there and how they were used. I assume it has something to do with how the frame was welded together but don't know if they have to be there when a frame patch is welded in.

Ed

Clutchguy

Edwardjohnsr wrote:

I have noticed in several pictures of the stepdown frame that there is a rectangular cutout in front of and behind each vertical post. Does anyone know why these are there and how they were used. I assume it has something to do with how the frame was welded together but don't know if they have to be there when a frame patch is welded in.

Ed

Ed,these are usually done by the factory to allow expansion/contraction[give] in metal pieces when they are manufactured. You can also look and see that they utilized this area to weld in the back reinforcement pieces. When repairing frame members in this area it is OK to patch over these cut-outs as long as you don't create interference with the rocker panels installation. After reading this post again,I might not be thinking of the same part as you??. Cut-outs on the inside of the post allows for wiring and other access.

Edwardjohnsr

Thanks Clutchguy. Your first part of the answer was the one I was looking for.