Big Features

oldcutlass

Is it limited to just that area of the frame or does the rest of the frame show similar issues?

Big Features

There is at least one pin hole on the right front frame rail. The rest looks like it's just on the surface.

oldcutlass

If its just limited to a small area, then a good welder can repair and reinforce. I'd get someone that knows what they are doing to inspect and give you an estimate. Most frame and body shops will not touch it, you'll have to find someone that will. Ask around.

If the body and frame need to be separated to repair, then I would look for another.

Big Features

I've looked, know where I can find a frame?

jensenracing77

If you want another one then it helps to post your location. That way the closer people that have one can reply. I have one in Brazil Indiana.

oldcutlass

I'd post a classified ad in the parts wanted section with the above info if jensenracing77 is too far away.

droldsmorland

If the body and the floors are solid put a dry frame under it. Hard to assess its overall condition over the net. Might be worth bring it to a reputable shop for a second/third opinion. You'll likely be chasing the rust. A very knowledgeable person needs to do any grafting work and do it with the car on a frame rack. With the time/money spent grafting you could've put another frame under it. If you do put another frame under it have that frame put on a rack and straightened and powder coated inside and out before putting it under the car. Even a no-hit 48 year old frame will likely need little tweaking to make sure its X & Y axis are straight. This will avoid panel fitment, bumper and suspension mis-alignment issues once its assembled. Let the MAWs commence!

My442

Rust is like an iceberg.....the part you see is only 20-30% of it.

That frame needs to be replaced, but my bet is that the body is just as bad.

Unless you are a good welder and very ambitious, I would look for a better car.

Best advise I got in this hobby was:

"Buy the best frame and body that you can. It will always be cheaper and better in the long run"

Big Features

I'm stuck with the car, bodies good. The car sat for 26 years so it needs a bit of TLC. I'll probably patch it up and just enjoy it for a while until I have $$ and a place to complete a full resto. I'll probably look for a new frame too

allyolds68

The first pic is the inner wheel housing, correct? That's a very common place they rust.


I can't tell quite where the second pic is taken. If it's in front of the driver's rear wheel that's a pretty typical place. From the pic with the fuel lines it looks like the passenger front somewhere. I'd check the body mount locations really well before you decide to just fix the one spot.

redoldsman

If you replace the frame, you might consider a convertible frame. They are boxed and stronger. They are also a little harder to find and cost a little more.

Big Features

I didn't think I could use a 'vert frame. Didn't know they were interchangeable. I think I'm going to patch mine up and look for a new one. I need a shop and lift to do all of the work and just don't have the money right now. Paying someone to do it isn't an option, that would cost way too much.

redoldsman

Good luck with it. It is a nice looking car.

Octania

Very junk
And, my standards include rusty parts.

Tip o' the iceberg.... The remainder is not "better"

Just get another frame.
Even a 4-dr frame altered to the proper wheelbase would be a better choice.

BackInTheGame

I don't know much about frame work, but I must say that's a beautiful ride!!

scottv442

Had the very same problem on my first car (1972 supreme) back in 1984.
Frame and body shops wouldn't even look at it. Took it to a backyard welding shop guy who patched three of the four cab frame corners. Car rusted away 2 years later, but the frame was solid. Think I paid 75 bucks for the repair and took a couple hours

funny story was....as i was waiting outside the shop, he suddenly jumped up and ran like a rabbit out of the shop and across the yard. When I caught up to him he was scared sh*tless.....his welding rod broke what he thought was the fuel line and he ran thinking the car was going to explode. turned out he cut a brake line only.
Nice guy even fixed the brake line for free.

Warning: don't weld near the fuel lines!

droldsmorland

Big is she a 325 or 350 horse car?