What does your frame look like right now?
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BlackSheep
TJ Enthusiast
It was on jackstands since thanksgiving last year. I just put her down on her own feet this past weekend. Thankfully, she's a toy as I have a Dodge Dakota as my daily driver. The entire shop is covered in rust dust. I'm sure my lungs lungs are also contaminated with that same dust, despite my attempts at protecting them.
Armytruck6x6
TJ Enthusiast
Omg... i went into convulsions when i saw that pic thinking about being at that point last year....
99 New England Frame, ready for the scrap pile (drivers side lower control arm mount rotted off as well as the skid plate area on both sides):
2006 replacement frame, fresh out of the hot dip galvanize tank:
Hopefully, now New England salt proof...
2006 replacement frame, fresh out of the hot dip galvanize tank:
Hopefully, now New England salt proof...
I'm just guessing, but I don't think you read the article I linked, so I'll copy and paste a quote from it here.
"Lazzari says automotive industry officials can understand how a stainless frame is lighter than one made with carbon steel and how the strength of stainless will produce a smoother ride. But one question always comes up: "(Stainless) costs so much more than carbon steel. How can you tell me it would be less expensive?"
Armco and Autokinetics think they've solved the problem by designing a frame that uses less steel, is easier to manufacture, and produces less waste. There are additional savings because stainless steel is made corrosion-resistant while carbon steel must be coated with zinc.
"We more than make up for the higher cost per pound," says Autokinetics president Bruce Emmons. "We're expecting it to be less expensive than carbon steel."
Armytruck6x6
TJ Enthusiast
Thats awesome... i wish i had thought of that! I do have a matching two piece frame that would go great with yours if you want it...
I actually did read the article. It was written in 1998. I think its safe to say their ideas did not pan out.
True. Never even looked at the date.
But I still can't believe that no improvements can be made that are cost effective for the buyer. The shit carbon steel that car manuf. are using for frame and body? Just using better quality steel extends the life, depending on the exposure, let alone, dipping it in something that prevents corrosion. I think it all boils down to the fact that the Manuf. doesn't want anything to last. Puts DIY's like us in a position, after we have made our vehicles last longer than expected we still have to deal with the fact that it will rust away to nothing eventually. Only recourse is to do what @TJ's-TJ did above and DIY. Is still crap, IMHO.
Rant over.
ZMTJ
Member
Lol yours isn't that bad off. I don't drive this, already have the safety-caps, welder and plasma cutter. just waiting on the free time to get it done.
fourpointzero
TJ Addict
Same MO here as well. Drove up to RI and had the pros do mine. 2 1/2 years later, holding up as clean and solid as the day I left their shop.
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What welder are you using? Was thinking fluxcore 145 amp would work, but I dont have alot of experience welding. So gonna need t practice before I hit install the center skid sections.
Let us know how it goes.
Just got a quote for both sides center skid sections with with rear trail arms. $3000 cut, blasted, welded and coated.
ZMTJ
Member
I've got a Eastwood mig 175. Thing works great. And I'll do a whole thread on it as soon as I get started with plenty of pictures. There's not too much info out there on repairing these frames and its unfortunate because it's really not too difficult as long as you have a basic understanding of proper welding and can use a tape measure.
Armytruck6x6
TJ Enthusiast
Fluxcore 145a will work great... did my whole jeep with a Lincoln 140, has no issue with 1/4" stuff and bigger.... the fluxcore is way more forgiving than using argon.
Honestly better than I would have guessed. I'd probably pay for the peace of mind if I really couldn't do it myself
I've seen this first picture before and I'm still a bit confused by it - is that at the rear of the car? And is that what you see when you take off the rear bumper?
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