Frame Plating vs. Capping

[Jeep_Noob]

While in the process of cleaning my frame I noticed a couple of spots where rust ate all the way through. In my research I came across SafeTCap and other similar products, but the first frame shop I went to recommended plating the frame instead. The second shop I went to uses SafeTCap. Does anyone have experience with either method, have recommendations, and know the pros and cons of plating compared to capping?

 

[GPK03X]

Use the second shop!

 

[Vtx531]

Might be a great question to ask both the shops and see what they say

 

[Jeep_Noob]

Might be a great question to ask both the shops and see what they say

The shop that caps said that moisture can get behind plates and the shop that plates said that they prefer plates because fitment is much easier. I know so little about either process and figure that both shops will advocate for their preferred method so I was hoping that someone on here can tell me that one process is far superior for X reason.

 

[matkal]

 

[JEEPCJTJ]

The caps don't look as good as the original frame but the plate method could end up looking considerably worse.

Also installing prebuilt frame sections in the correct location should be much easier to get right than trying to locate multiple small parts.

 

[GPK03X]

Maybe I’m wrong but plating seems like a backyard temporary fix to me. Sounds like you’re just hiding the rust with some new steel that will also rust. Plus the dimensions of the frame will be changed which could cause other repairs to be a problem. If I was spending money for frame repairs, I would want the rusted areas removed and replaced with the proper repair pieces

 

[Apparition]

The caps don't look as good as the original frame but the plate method could end up looking considerably worse.
View attachment 448704

Also installing prebuilt frame sections in the correct location should be much easier to get right than trying to locate multiple small parts.

It’s like some people aren’t even trying

 

[Jeep_Noob]

I am leaning towards caps. One question I have though, is when the old pieces of the frame are cut out, is there a possiblity that the alignment gets out of whack?

 

[kincaid.0678]

I am leaning towards caps. One question I have though, is when the old pieces of the frame are cut out, is there a possiblity that the alignment gets out of whack?

If the shop is decent at fabricating they can keep it all squared. Worst case you get some adjustable control arms and get it dialed in lol

 

[TheBoogieman]

I am leaning towards caps. One question I have though, is when the old pieces of the frame are cut out, is there a possiblity that the alignment gets out of whack?

Find a shop that actually knows what they're doing.

 

[Rcroane]

Find a shop that actually knows what they're doing.

X2 on this. Safe T Cap has a list of recommended installers. I used one for my project in Virginia. There are two in Minnesota (Burnsville and Sauk Rapids).

 

[MutantNinjaTJ]

If done correctly, both methods are a valid means of repair depending on location and severity of damage. Depending on the location, I wouldn’t be affraid of fish plating the damage location. Would probably last another 20+ years