Rear Cross Member to Rear Spring Mount Frame Rust

[pjsank]

I need some advice. Spent a little time underneath the SIII 109 today and finally came to the realization that my RH side frame member, from the rear cross member forward at least to the rear of the rear spring hanger is more rust and military undercoat than steel. The left hand side sounds solid. I do not have the money for a new frame. :( What are my options for repair? Our host has the RNE403 rear cross member with 18" extension. I think that will get me to the the rear spring hanger. What if it goes past the spring hanger? Recommendations for a Welder in NW Vermont?

[SafeAirOne]

It's not terribly hard to repair these chassis, providing you have a welder, a jigsaw and some solid chassis metal to weld to. When my 109's rear spring outriggers got punky, I just got a sheet of 14ga steel then cut, bent and welded up the repair pieces. The time consuming part is gaining access to the area:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/5156109909_895edeb269_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/5168090298_fa8f41edfd_z.jpg

[ThePhotographer]

It's not terribly hard to repair these chassis, providing you have a welder, a jigsaw and some solid chassis metal to weld to. When my 109's rear spring outriggers got punky, I just got a sheet of 14ga steel then cut, bent and welded up the repair pieces. The time consuming part is gaining access to the area:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/5156109909_895edeb269_z.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/5168090298_fa8f41edfd_z.jpg

I hate to be a negative nancy, but wow, I don't think many people have the skills you do.

Psjank- Where in VT are you located, I can ask around.

[pjsank]

Zack, I am in Winooski. Thanks.

Mark, I wish I had your skills and a place to do the work. Living in a condo with only a shade tree for a garage. :)

[ThePhotographer]

Oh very nice, you're relatively close to Kale's Custom, which I've seen some pretty good results from. Not sure if he'd do Series trucks, but he's pretty good behind a welder. Here's the website:
http://www.kalescustom.com/

[SafeAirOne]

Living in a condo with only a shade tree for a garage. :)

I hate to be a negative nancy, but wow, I don't think many people have the skills you do.

Eh. Just don't place any limitations on what you think you're capable of and you'll be all set. Tools and workspace on the other hand are real limiting factors.

My original point was that these chassis are pretty non-complex fixes for whoever fixes it, but at the labor rate of the pros, you probably ought to do as much prep work as possible (tub off, steel patches cut, spring bolts freed up, etc.).

[Whiterabbit]

Mark, obviously you know about frame repair. I hate seeing butcher jobs on frames. First sign of proper work is NO straight line cuts or welds on the sides of the frame. Stress will break it quick.
Check out any shops work before giving them your truck. Check them closely.