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boxing in the frame

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by khalampre, Feb 1, 2011.

  1. Feb 1, 2011
    khalampre

    khalampre Member

    Bryan, Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2010
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    63
    What gauge steel should I use to box in my frame? Does anyone have any suggestions as to how best tackle this project?

    Best,

    CK
     
  2. Feb 1, 2011
    dnb71R2

    dnb71R2 SuperDave 2023 Sponsor

    Grand Mesa, CO
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    Aug 13, 2006
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    Use the search feature. This has been covered many times.
     
  3. Feb 1, 2011
    khalampre

    khalampre Member

    Bryan, Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2010
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    63
    With all due respect, I have used the search function. I have run across several threads that were of some use, but on the whole the search function on this board seems to pick things at random. I often get some of the same threads that are are currently at the top of this page, which are completely unrelated to the search terms I use.

    I know a bit about research, and I have applied this skill/ability in uncountable situations in several countries. I asked this particular question because there are a number of opinions, and I would like to hear them.

    Having never boxed in a frame I do not know if I should try to run a bead all the way down the frame when boxing it in or just tack the sheet in several places.

    Again, this was written with all due respect. I hate the fact that you cannot "hear" my tone when I am typing this.

    Best,

    CK
     
  4. Feb 1, 2011
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    Don't have a lot to contribute to this - I'd strap the frame before I boxed it.

    Google may be more helpful than the native search.

    http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy&...&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&pbx=1&fp=e0ce941d71bab0d5

    It's something of a can of worms, because there's not a lot of scientific evidence about what works and whether it's needed. Everybody has an opinion. I formed my opinions by watching what was done to the Baja racers at a Jeep dealer I worked at.
     
    Last edited: Feb 1, 2011
  5. Feb 1, 2011
    EricM

    EricM Active Member

    Southern California
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    Dec 19, 2007
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    1,019
    Tim,

    What did the Baja racers do?
     
  6. Feb 1, 2011
    jasonjp62

    jasonjp62 Member

    Pennsboro WV.
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    Aug 15, 2009
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    799
    If you have an old postal jeep around you could cut out the inserts out of the frame to box yours in, would make it easier.
     
  7. Feb 1, 2011
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
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    Aug 10, 2003
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    Brian put steel strap on the top and bottom rails of the frame. The one I remember best was an orange '72 Renegade that they prep'd for a couple of magazine writers to drive in one of the Baja races. They used a strap the length and width of the top and bottom frame rail and maybe 1/8" or 3/16" thick and stitch welded it along the top and bottom of the frame rails. I didn't see this happen (just saw it in progress), but I presume they removed the spring hangers and reapplied them after the strap was in place. They did some other little things like weld on limiter blocks for the front shackles, so that a collision with a low obstacle would not drive the spring back and bend the spring. Plus some kind of full cage. likely tied in to the frame. The race Jeeps (yellow 'glass bodied V6 Jeepsters) were more radical, and had a shackle reversal on the front. Plus the loooong racing shocks and towers on all corners, full cage, etc.

    Wish I could give you more details, but this was 38-39 years ago. No digital cameras then either ... I have very few pictures, and none of the dealership.
     
  8. Feb 1, 2011
    mdmeltdown

    mdmeltdown Member

    Bossier City,...
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    Feb 17, 2006
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    792
    If you know where one is that is obtainable at a good price and would take less effort than all the work involved, an M-38A1 frame is already boxed....right?
     
  9. Feb 1, 2011
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
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    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    Only parts of it like the front frame horns. Not all of it though.
     
  10. Feb 1, 2011
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    Sep 17, 2009
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    I think boxing makes a much more rigid and stronger frame than strapping. The FC 150/170's were strapped and just about every one of them broke anyway. I used 3/16 plate on the 3B and I am sure that was a significant overkill with associated unnecessary weight gain. 1/8 should work just fine and is closer to what the frame material is. This is one place where a metal cutting vertical bandsaw works extremely well and makes for quick, clean pieces.
     
  11. Feb 1, 2011
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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    Jul 30, 2003
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    duffer
    do you have a problem with rust on a boxed-in frame?

    I vote for strapping, and I live in a dry area where rust is no problem.
    I've seen 1/8" strap used on the upper/lower parts of the frame.
     
  12. Feb 1, 2011
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
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  13. Feb 1, 2011
    duffer

    duffer Rodent Power

    Bozeman, MT
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    I gave it a good shot of paint before the box and then after-and as near as I can tell, 90 plus percent of it is still on there after 36 years. So no, not a problem. I try not to drive it much on the salted roads around here in the winter but it does get used in deep snow-when it gets too deep for anything else in the stable.
     
  14. Feb 1, 2011
    PieLut

    PieLut Member

    Glendale, Arizona
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    CK, I used 4" wide by 1/8" thick plate. I have used a couple methods to cut the plate. My favorite technique is to use a plasma cutter, but before I owned one, I used a 4" electric grinder with a cutting disc to shape the plates. Of course this is all easier with a bare frame. I did not box the entire frame. See here, http://www.earlycj5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79103&page=2. You can also make cardboard templates and then trace it onto the steel. If you plan on boxing the entire frame, I would recommend stitch welding the plates. Maybe 2 inch long welds every 6-8 inches. If you can, paint the inside of the boxed area to prevent rust.
     
  15. Feb 1, 2011
    Rozcoking23

    Rozcoking23 RUN & GET BIT! 2024 Sponsor

    Stockton, CA
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    CK, I also used 1/8"x4" plate to box entire frame. I used 3/8"x4" to box in the front frame horns. I also used 1-1/2"x1-1/2"x3/16" angle iron on the inside of the frame top and bottom. I drilled holes in the 1/8" plate to knock down the weight>
     
  16. Feb 1, 2011
    alex211

    alex211 Member

    Pennsylvania
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    Aug 25, 2009
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    I cut out some 1/8 plates to box my frame in, and I strapped the bottom with 1/8 plate. I'm going to get the frame sand blasted and paint the inside before the plates get welded in.
     
  17. Feb 1, 2011
    mainejeep

    mainejeep Member

    kenduskeag maine
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    Dec 11, 2010
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    just so everyone is clear even if you paint the frame even before you weld the heat of the welding is goin to burn off the paint. so each plasce that you put a weld is goin to be bare metal after. they only thing i could recomend is using a high heat paint. but even then the temperature of the welding, is still going to burn off the paint. being a welder of 10 years i have seen alot of this. just my 2 cents worth
     
  18. Feb 1, 2011
    double R

    double R Member

    Reseda, CA
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    Mar 18, 2003
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    I used 3/16 plate for the boxing. I only strapped on the bottom side around the front and rear frame horns...it seems to me that only strapping without boxing will allow a small amount of frame twist (torsion?) while decreasing bending of the frame rails. on the other hand, boxing will both decrease bending and twisting...is this correct?

    some things i've read people do regarding painting the inside:

    -use a wand/hose type sprayer
    -cover holes, pour paint inside, and then try to slosh the paint around by flipping and turning the frame.
    -paint-soaked rag tied to a string that is pulled from one side (through access holes) to the other.
     
  19. Feb 1, 2011
    chuck123wapati

    chuck123wapati Member

    wyoming
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    i used the same guage as the frame, dont remember what guage exactly its been a couple of years but it will be easiest to weld and heavier wont help any. ya do have to think about the rust I just boxed in the stress points, above the spring shackles steering etc.
     
  20. Feb 2, 2011
    khalampre

    khalampre Member

    Bryan, Texas
    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2010
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    63
    Thank you all very much. I had not even heard about strapping! I do not think I will go down that road, but it is nice to know that is an option.

    I dislike PieLut for his welding skills. I am kidding. I don't have your skill, or welder for that matter, but I may borrow a few of your ideas.

    I wish I had a plasma cutter, but that is just not in the budget. I will spend many an hour with my trusty harbor freight 4 1/2 inch grinder.

    Thank you all again. I have now picked up on an extra skill.
     
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