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Frame Strapping Advice Please

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by blalp!, Jul 11, 2020.

  1. Jul 11, 2020
    blalp!

    blalp! Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Concord, NH
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    Hi All,

    The lower part of my frame rails are thin from the rear bump-stops to the rear shackle bracket. Should I cut and replace the thin area, just add strapping there (2”x1/8”), or both? If I add straps, should I weld them to shackle bracket? Originally I was thinking end the straps with points as apposed to a 90* end. Would I be better off going from spring hanger to shackle mount?

    As always, I appreciate your thoughts and opinions. Thank you!
     
  2. Jul 23, 2020
    Focker

    Focker That's a terrible idea...What time? Staff Member

    WA
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    :bump:
     
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  3. Jul 23, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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  4. Jul 23, 2020
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    Ideally some pics would be best as my answer would depend on 'how thin, and how close to the inner 90 is the thin metal?'

    If you strap it - you have to make sure the metal its on will hold.

    If you cut and replace it - you need to understand your weakening the whole point of the frame being a C channel construction.

    You may be best replacing the whole end of the frame. Too bad your out east, I've got frame sections I use for just this type of situation.
     
  5. Jul 23, 2020
    blalp!

    blalp! Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Concord, NH
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    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    It looks like the rails get down to about 1/16” with a few random spots thinner than that. I feel like there is enough meat there that if I grind the edge of the rails back ~1/8 to 3/16”, I can weld 1/8” strapping without blowing it apart too much. Your comment about making it weaker by cutting it out was my reasoning for looking into strapping.

    I appreciate your input!

    Focker, thank you for the bump!
     
    Focker likes this.
  6. Jul 23, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    In my mind it would depend a lot on the ultimate objective, what level of repair are you willing to invest in to be happy?

    A patch-job to stay on the road another year or two, or a museum restoration for the ages? A stock ice-cream getter, or a full house rock scrambler?

    Suit the fix to the purpose.
     
  7. Jul 23, 2020
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
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    I would sand blast the frame. That way you know what solid metal you have to work with. This also makes for better welds if you end up strapping it.
    I wouldn't try cutting the lower part of the channel to replace that.
    -Donny
     
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  8. Jul 23, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Part of the equation, living where we do, is also to avoid creating rust traps.
     
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  9. Jul 24, 2020
    blalp!

    blalp! Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Concord, NH
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    Great points and questions.

    Originally I was planning on sanding blasting the frame and tub to make for a good looking driver. However, I really like the patina and faded color of this Jeep. For that reason, I will keep the sand blasting or grinding as small as possible around the repair areas.

    To PeteL’s comment: Would strapping be a short term fix for occasional light to medium off roading? Ultimately I would like this to last many years.

    Thanks again for your input!
     
  10. Jul 24, 2020
    Rich M.

    Rich M. Shoe salesman 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Maryland
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    New Hampshire, do they use alot of road salt there ? In MD any hint of freezing weather and the roads are pretreated with brine and then the trucks runs constantly. If so I think strapping would accelerate your problems. If not I'd sandblast the area, strap and box. Follow that up with treatment then epoxy prime.
     
  11. Jul 24, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    Falling down laughing.

    The state has a "dry roads" policy to make things easy for out-of-state tourists and commuters. In winter the highways are pure white with salt.

    There is a "Salt Mountain" down on the seacoast where the ships unload the road salt.
     
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  12. Jul 24, 2020
    blalp!

    blalp! Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Concord, NH
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    You are right, they do and I agree. Thank you for allowing me to clarify. For the reasons you bring up, I don’t plan to drive my Jeep in the winter. I wouldn’t mind boxing the rear only, but I understand that could cause other issues if I don’t box the whole frame. Given the work involved, I would probably build a 2x4 frame before I boxed a New England frame. Perhaps I should just get this Jeep on the road, and source another frame of the next year or two. I could probably do a frame swap in a weekend or two once the new frame is ready.
     
  13. Jul 24, 2020
    blalp!

    blalp! Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    In the winter, if you park in a quiet place you can almost hear the salt and brine solution eating your vehicle.
     
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  14. Jul 24, 2020
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

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    The downside to that is modern steels.

    I have built more than one new steel trailer that has returned to the earth in the form of of iron oxide dust, in relatively few years. The one I have that is a 1940's truck frame has no corrosion at all.
     
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  15. Jul 24, 2020
    ITLKSEZ

    ITLKSEZ Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

    Liberty Lake, WA
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    That’s what I’d lean towards. Patching what you have might be like putting a bandaid on an axe wound.
     
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  16. Jul 24, 2020
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
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    Patina on the body is one thing - usually just looks cool to some folks... on the frame and your asking for trouble. With as thin as your talking about, if you don't replace the section or whole frame, I would clean it all good (sand blast is 1, wire wheel 2). You could then strap the inside of the frame if you want with some rosette welds in the field and edges to give it strength. You would need to look at all the mounting points (like spring hangers and other cross members) to see what was there that needed to be addressed.

    A frame is structural - function and safety are KEY and it must be right or even at 25 mph you could be dead. Safety over looks should be a major consideration in what you do here.
     
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  17. Jul 25, 2020
    blalp!

    blalp! Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Concord, NH
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    I appreciate everyone’s input.

    I’m mad at myself because that was literally the only part of the frame I didn’t look at closely when I bought it. :banghead: It wasn’t until after the V6 mounts were in, and everything fit that I realized that section was thin.

    I am all about safe and proper vehicle repairs. Unfortunately, for me I don’t know much about older frame repairs like this. My knowledge is more in newer vehicles with HSS, UHSS, aluminum, and following OE repair procedures. Being outside my wheelhouse, I appreciate the tutelage. Thank you.
     
  18. Jul 25, 2020
    blalp!

    blalp! Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Concord, NH
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    Warloch,
    Do you mean strap the inside only, or in addition to the outside? If inside only, what is the gain/advantage in doing the inside vs outside?

    I’ll take any advice, lesson, and guidance on frame section/repair that anyone is willing to share.

    Thank you
     
  19. Jul 25, 2020
    fhoehle

    fhoehle Sponsor

    Harford Township, PA
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    I would run it as is, build a 2x4 frame or source a nice frame and box it, then galvanize the whole shebang. I love galvanize. Hate rust.
     
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  20. Jul 25, 2020
    jeep2003

    jeep2003 Well-Known Member

    Upstate NY
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    I boxed mine up to the rear crossmember and also where the spring hangers are. Its been good for 12 years. I kinda wish i did more of it its still quite flexy
     

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