Frame Gauge

[Al E.]

I will be making some cuts this weekend to the frame near the wheel well, to repair some rot. Does anyone know the gauge of metal along the rear hump and the part where there rear cross member attaches to(they don't seem like the same thickness)? Also if you think you know more than me and that I don't know what I am doing.. Then come show me how its done, I wont stop you. Beers are on me..but only after you get done cutting and welding.


The metal near the rear cross member is as thin as stock card paper. but the metal arounf the wheel well is almost 3 times as thick.. is this normal.
Al

[Rod K.]

Re: Frame Gauge

Al,

Measured my '57 frame at the rear opening where the crossmember attaches and get about .100 thick +/-. When I replaced the rear crossmember I had to replace the bottom which was rusted badly between the side rail and rear crossmember, but the sides and top were relatively rust free, no significant pits, etc., so I think this is accurate. Probably about 12 ga.

I believe the whole rail from front to rear would be the same, probably being formed from flat sock then welded into the boxed sections. No reason for it to vary in thickness anyplace.

[Al E.]

Re: Frame Gauge

Thanks Rod I will try and give it a shot and see if I can match the metal up. But I am sure it will be a task to get it cut out and welded in.

[Thomas H.]

Re: Frame Gauge

Al,

Is the body on or off the frame at this point?.
Can you post some pictures of the areas you will be attempting to fix?

[Al E.]

Re: Frame Gauge

20120504_203939.jpg20120504_203904.jpg

The 2nd photo is the area where the cross member was i cut around the rivets. Note the hole about the rivets under the frame. first photo rust runs along the bottom