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Sub-frame damage

Started by AZMoparboy, November 26, 2006, 11:30:30 AM

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AZMoparboy

I just received my restoration car and noticed this damage on the sub-frame. It is mid-body, right side. Is this an important aspect to fix? This will not be a show car, only a driving vehicle that I hope will "look" awesome. As long as no one looks underneath.

Thank you in advance.

AZMoparboy

This is one more picture

AZMoparboy

one more

bill440rt

I would definitely consider replacing that crossmember for structural & safety reasons. It is buckled/crushed across an access hole, an early form of a "crumple zone" on a modern car. That crossmember is a structural component, & the strength has now been compromised. If you do straighten it, the part will be cosmetically OK but not structurally OK. Imagine what would happen if it were to be hit again in that area, the part would fail.

Is that a torsion bar I see in the first pic? If so, that's all the more reason to replace it. What does the floor look like? It's kinda hard to tell from your pics.

You could probably find one from a donor car. Look at the swaps, in MCG, or on eBay.

Good Luck!
"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough." Sir Henry Rolls Royce

AZMoparboy

Hi Bill440RT,

Thanks for the input on the damage. I have found a company that I think has a frame repair kit called Auto Body Specialties, Inc. I'm Not a welder myself and I'll have to have someone do the repair for me. This car is not all rusted out and that is why I thought that this would be a good car to start as a beginner project. The front end of this car is so loss, when you jack the car from the body sub frame, the K frame isolators pull away from the main frame rails. This car has been sitting around for more than 17 years in the Arizona sun and every soft isolator on the body is just mush.  At this stage in the game, I don't know just what to do first.

Thanks again, would like to have your inputs, Steve





bill440rt

Hi Steve,
I'm not so sure if Auto Body Specialties has this crossmember. You may be thinking of Auto Rust Technicians, they sell a lot of frame repair caps for rusted frames on these Mopars. Maybe Auto Body Specialties carries A.R.T.'s stuff too?

These so-called "caps" are designed to go over your existing rusty frame rail. Similar to a splint on a broken arm. In theory, I'm sure they work or at least help a rusted frame. But you still have the rusty component underneath. This cap may not work in your situation, because that rail is BENT. A cap won't fit over it due to the bends, it's not a straight piece anymore.

Your best bet is to cut out that part at the factory spot welds, & weld in one from a donor car. If you're not gonna do it, make sure whoever does supports the car correctly & also has proper unibody measuring equipment.
"Strive for perfection in everything. Take the best that exists and make it better. If it doesn't exist, create it. Accept nothing nearly right or good enough." Sir Henry Rolls Royce

terrible one

Geez that thing took a hard lick! I wonder what happened there!

Bandit72

Quote from: terrible one on November 27, 2006, 11:39:23 PM
Geez that thing took a hard lick! I wonder what happened there!

:P
Daddy ran whiskey in a big black dodge
bought it at an auction at the masons lodge,
Johnson County Sherriff painted on the side,
just shot a coat of primer then he looked inside,
well him and my uncle tore that engine down,
I still remember that rumblin' sound.....

AZMoparboy

That is so funny,  ;)   ;D   :P

Wakko

Ian

'69 Basketcase, bluetooth powered

Boynton 236 F&AM

69hemi

I found this guy in Bismark ND who parts out B Bodys and has many original frame and body cuts for sale.

Byron Fetig  byronsrt@msn.com   He is a great guy and a die hard Mopar fan who has the real deal in frame and original Mopar sheet metal.
http://www.69hemi.com
1969 Hemi R/T Charger
1969 440 GTX
1965 Hemi A/FX Plymouth
1964 Hemi Superstock Dodge
02 Ram
95 Ram