'47 Frame Rust

[jailbreak 10]

Hello all,

 

This is my first post here, so let's see if this works...I've got a '47 Streamliner that has a pretty significant amount of rust on the frame. Most of it is just scaly but remains solid. There are a few spots though where I can break away pieces with my finger. That's not what I wanted to find. If the side rail is shaped like a "C", then it would be the bottom horizontal section that has the issues, if that makes sense. My question to you guys is: How much, if any, experience does anyone have with fixing this type of problem? I can hold my own with a welder, but am by no means a professional. Maybe it's not even worth it, I don't know... The frame sits out back under a cover, as well as a couple feet of snow at the moment, so pictures could be hard to get. I guess I'll go do some digging tomorrow morning after work to see if I can get some pictures for you. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[pontiac1953 286]

looking forward to seeing pictures, your best option might be to find another 47-48 frame in better condition.

[GARY F 520]

On my 63 GP I had to weld 4 pieces of steel to the inside and outside of the box frame on each side. 4 feet long.. Since you frame is out from under the car it should be fairly easy, just time consuming.   

[Tinindian 1,735]

A replacement frame would be the best option.

[jailbreak 10]

Here is what the car looked like when I brought it home, as well as a shot of the frame when I pulled it out. To get a current picture of the frame would require chipping the ice off the cover and that's not how I wanted to spend my weekend. The spot in question is actually on the drivers side but I don't have a photo looking that direction. The curved part of the frame behind the wheel is where it's the worst, although it does extend up toward the front a bit as well. The bottom portion of the frame is rolled upward in that section as well. Does anyone know what the reasoning behind that was? It's only next to the rear wheels, on the curved part. Strength I guess...I had a few thoughts as to how to go about fixing it up but maybe someone on here has done this already, or maybe I should just stay away, in which case, as a couple of you suggested, a new frame may be best.

[Bloo 1,741]

Where are you located? Anything is repairable if you are a good welder, but I have a sneaking hunch that a frame from a western state would probably not have any structural rust. That could save you a lot of work and probably expense. Of course I am shooting from the hip because I can't really see the damage from the pics.

[jailbreak 10]

I'm in central PA, about an hour twenty north of Hershey, and everyone should know where that is. This is the frame currently. You can see that the part that curls up is pretty much gone, and the bottom is very thin. There are also some holes in the upright portion. This continues toward the front for another couple feet. The passenger side isn't quite as bad, but it's starting. What do you guys think? Thanks for any advice on this. Lots of working on cars, but this is the first attempt at a restoration.

[Bloo 1,741]

I would at least look for another one. Anything could be fixed with enough sandblasting and welding. I can weld and not much scares me, but I think it would be a lot of work, and probably unnecessary. I don't think the frame would be a high dollar item if you could just find another. Figuring out how to get it to PA might be the tough part.

Edited February 17 by Bloo (see edit history)

[GARY F 520]

After seeing the picture, I agree with  Bloo.

[TerryB 2,905]

Sunbury, Lewisburg, Bloomsburg?

[jailbreak 10]

I'm in the little town of Shamokin Dam, right across the river from Sunbury.