Truck Frame Repair Question

admin

I have a Divco (milk truck) frame that has some really nasty rot on it.  It needs a ~4 foot section cut out and replaced.  I only have a 110v Lincoln welder and have only worked on thinner then 14 GA steel so I know when I am in over my head.  I have NO intention of doing this myself, that would just be unsafe.Basically the frame between the two black bars (see attached picture) needs to be replaced.  It is 2" x 5.5" C channel that curves up at the ends.Since I am so far out of my element I have no idea what this sort of work will cost me.  I know it won't be cheap but this truck is a piece of family history so I am going to fix it.  Any sort of ballpark estimates so I am not flying completely blind would be greatly appreciated. Attached Images
Reply:First thing I would recommend  is a thorough sandblast. If you that to me I will charge you to do it.Second thing is I would tack in temporary struts to retain the correct spacing while new members are welded in. You can do this all yourself.Then the weld shop will maybe just charge you a minimum charge to weld in the new members.Looks like a neat project. Good Luck.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:x2New matching pieces can be made with a metal brake.Leo
Reply:Definately has some age to it. I would agree that sandblasting is the place to start. You will be better able to evaluate where stand and what is needed. Another alternative may be to leave what is there and reinforce the entire area with some light plate either inside or outside the rails. Depends what would be easier. Definately will want to get some measurements down on paper to make sure everything stays where it needs to be while any repairs are undertaken.
Reply:I wouldn't bother trying to replace a section on an already rotted frame like that.  I would instead look at getting pieces bent to sandwich the existing sections and fish plate them onto the good portions of the frame.  Much stronger, simpler and cheaper.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Just did a lot of work on my salt rusted Ford.I used 1/8x 5 plate inside and out.Bolted in place.On the back 30 inches I welded in some 1.5 inch stock to replace the rusty flanges.Had to make a cross member.couldnt buy a new one or a used one that was much better than mine.I used 20 feet of 1/8x5 steel.The original chassis is only 1/8 thick.My work passed inspection.
Reply:Its going to be hard to afford having that job done.I put many hours in to fixing my truck frame, no one would want to pay me for the time I spent on my truck.The truck runs fine and looks good so I did the work.A good weldor can make that chassis stronger than new.It will cost a lot,no way out of that,I  am pleased with the end result.
Reply:Thanks for the suggestions.  I am definitely going to have it sandblasted before any work gets done to it.I was able to borrow a trailer and get a quote of fixing it today.  $1,500 to cut/weld in new metal.  That is a decent chunk of change so I figured I ask here before I pull the trigger.  Given the amount of work that seems like an OK price to me.  Any other opinions?I attached a couple other pictures of the rot. Attached Images