Rusted frame

[Scott G]

I have a question for everyone. I have just been able to start working on my first truck i ever owned. I am wanting to do a frame up restoration, but ive found that the rear of the frame is very very rusted, and i havent even taken the sandblaser to it yet. Any idea's for repair? Are there weld/bolt on kits for the rear of the frame? Or does anyone know of reputable places that would repair it close to the illinois/iowa region. Background: 1980 GMC 3/4 ton, Dana 60 front, corperate 14 rearFF, originally had a lemon 350, dad put in a 454 in 83 and still runs great, muncie 4sp and np205. If the frame isnt repairable, does anyone know good links to find another frame, as you can see above, i don't really want to have to scrap the truck. Any help is appreciated. Another note, I am a bit of a novice, but a quick learner. Thanks again. Scott

 

[J Knight]

Check out Craigslist for a donor frame.

 

[Old77]

If the frame isn't repairable a donor frame is the route you want to go here. With that said, it takes a LOT of rust to rust through a frame. I bought my truck in Indiana and it was rusty too but it all "cleaned" off and there was a very solid frame under that rust so you might be surprised once you get it sandblasted.

 

[dhamp]

My crystal ball is telling me you have surface rust, not actual cancer. Clean it up and go over it with a fine tooth comb. I'm guessing you'll be surprised.

 

[Old77]

My crystal ball is telling me you have surface rust, not actual cancer. Clean it up and go over it with a fine tooth comb. I'm guessing you'll be surprised.

That would be my guess as well

 

[89Suburban]

Pics.

 

[bucket]

Pics.

Yes, pics are a must.

 

[crazy4offroad]

As long as there's no cracks in the frame I would just clean it up and POR-15 paint it. It will look so good you'll wanna kick your ole lady outta the bed.

 

[89Suburban]

As long as there's no cracks in the frame I would just clean it up and POR-15 paint it. It will look so good you'll wanna kick your ole lady outta the bed.

 

[Joshua8336]

As long as there's no cracks in the frame I would just clean it up and POR-15 paint it. It will look so good you'll wanna kick your ole lady outta the bed.

agreed with the POR15 idea, and the "it will look so good you'll wanna kick your ole lady outta the bed." I plan on going down to the frame, painting it, and the underbodoy, firewall, and inner fenders with POR 15. that will be of course after i get some rust issues and a certain sunroof fixed first. Good Luck!

 

[Old77]

I used POR15 on my frame and LOVE it!!! It spreads on the frame very nicely and looks great for a LONG time afterwards.

 

[Joshua8336]

I used POR15 on my frame and LOVE it!!! It spreads on the frame very nicely and looks great for a LONG time afterwards.

did you spray it on? or brush it on? if spray which gun did you use?

 

[Scott G]

Thanks for the insight guys. I will try and get some pics loaded up soon. I do know in the rear it is flaking out though.

 

[coreys87]

i agree. i sandblasted my frame and it cleaned up great. than i painted it by brush with rustoleum oilbased and so far so good. i also painted it like 4 times. lol

 

[Old77]

did you spray it on? or brush it on? if spray which gun did you use?

I actually brushed it on and it dried perfectly smooth! it's made to brush on but you CAN spray it. If you spray it, though, plan on throwing away any and all equipment used for the job